Live Review: Methyl Ethel, Hatchie

A smoke machine engulfs the Melbourne Zoo stage as Brisbane’s Hatchie appears looking effortlessly cool. Harriette Pilbeam’s intoxicating combination of shoegaze and dream-pop has rightly earned her global recognition. She opens with Without A Blush, an addictive slice of dreamy goodness, that has even the most hardened members of the audience moving. Hatchie plays ten songs, finishing on the huge Stay With Me, which has the crowd yearning for more.

Hatchie @ Zoo Twilights. Photo by Joshua Braybrook.

After a short intermission, Methyl Ethel reveal themselves to roaring applause as everyone swarms the stage. Jake Webb, the band's only credited member these days, stands confidently with his iconic black and gold Rickenbacker before opening with No Fighting, which is ironically the last song off latest album Triage. There is hardly time to breath before the band power into Drink Wine which has everyone on their feet. Webb is as much a performance artist as he is a musician, every word accompanied by an emphatic expression and movement. Methyl Ethel’s stage presence is palpable; they emanate a visceral energy that most bands could only ever aspire to. 

Methyl Ethel @ Zoo Twilights. Photo by Joshua Braybrook.

They power through Schlager, Groundswell and Idée Fixe without missing a beat. It’s easy to get swept away in the performance, this is music that gets your body moving subconsciously; you don’t realise you're bopping until it’s too late. The crowd is an eclectic mix of families, normies and hip northsiders, highlighting Methyl Ethel’s accessibility, as well as their more experimental side, which manifests itself in the eclectic improv that the band engages in between songs.

The anthemic Scream Whole summons a sea of phones into the air while Webb sings every word with absolute conviction. Hip Horror, Trip The Mains and All The Elements are no different and Twilight Driving sees a very special appearance from the fantastic Julia Jacklin, who then disappears off stage with a twirl.

Methyl Ethel @ Zoo Twilights. Photo by Joshua Braybrook.

As the show reaches its final songs, Methyl Ethel have kept their energy at a constant 11 and Webb shows no sign of slowing down. Ubu is a constantly building wall of sound and its iconic funky guitar riff and singalong lyrics are a great addition to the tail end to the set. The band is bathed in a moody blue light for the final song Post-Blue which, with its massive soundscape, makes for a dramatic conclusion to the night.

Methyl Ethel on stage are a fully cultivated experience that seems as organic and fresh as it is well-practised. Time and time again Webb and his band deliver an original sound, packaged with an unbelievable stage presence that has made them one of the most exciting live acts in Australia. Tonight has absolutely been no different.

Methyl Ethel @ Zoo Twilights. Photo by Joshua Braybrook.