Live Review: Jakubi, Bad Pony

Indie-rock five-piece Bad Pony got the crowd dancing wildly to their weird and wonderful sound thanks to their catchy synths and guitar work. Interestingly, instead of one drummer, a full kit is shared between three band members, which culminates in an all-out explosion. The only thing holding the band together was the lead singer, and by a thread at that.

With a crowd already limbered up Jakubi knew just what to do and launched into an undeniable groove. Half upbeat soul, half hip hop, the five-man Melbourne outfit know how to hold an audience, teaching them dance moves to match lyrics and just generally pumping them up. Lead singer and occasional talkbox magician Jerome Farah is the real magic, but it never felt like he outshone the other band members as they rocked out. Stronger funk riffs on tracks like Feels Like Yesterday allowed bassist Jacob Farah and drummer Jesse Rehaut to jam out a bit, more of which is always welcome. Occasionally slowing it down for a jazzy number allowed Jerome to hit those high notes and show off the band's diversity, but it's their rocker tunes that carry the show. The crowd clapped the beat to almost every song and Nobody Better, from their latest EP 61 Barkly, was no exception. It had everyone under its spell.

Coaxed by the power of the chant for "one more song", Jakubi kicked off a three-song encore with their 2014 single Couch Potato. A definite crowd favourite, Couch Potato tells the tale of a lazy lady who eventually gains her father's disapproval. It's a catchy tune with an absolutely infectious energy about it that'll make you feel like dancing in the streets. The boys have got something cool going on and will be one to watch out for as they continue to refine their talents.