Live Review: Wild Nothing, Popstrangers & Melodie Nelson

Jack Tatum, aka Wild Nothing, hasn't got to hit these shores until now, showcasing his second album, Nocturne. While the first (2010's Gemini) was shrouded in pink haze and typical shoegaze accoutrements, Nocturne has a sharper aesthetic and it's a much more robust album that, as it turns out, sounds fantastic on stage.

Auckland three-piece Popstrangers, fresh from a GoodGod appearance the night before, were on support duties. Their fuzzy debut, Antipodes, is freshly pressed and while their live set really didn't do it the justice it deserves it was still a fun, rowdy slice of pop/rock, with sort of a late-'90s Aussie indie vibe.

The local pop noir of Melodie Nelson is doing great things round town. The set was a slinky, nocturnal collection from last year's release, To The Dollhouse, and the moody atmospheric tone created was nice.

Jack Tatum and band took the stage dressed like refugees from a Bourke St café. Wild Nothing's unhurried demeanour and relaxed presentation fed into the vibe of the room and created a perfect place to throw down some of that perfect dream pop everyone had come to hear. They played tight, with not a note out of place and, although the mix favoured the synths a little too much (the muted neon guitar work is the star of his albums), it still sounded as fresh and vibrant as ever.

The band were jacked to be in the country and made more than one remark about marriages of convenience, sending the gals (and some guys) into seizures. It was a charming performance that hit all the right buttons and covered a great range from both albums. Come back any time guys.