Fun with a capital F! That was Wednesday night at the Oxford Art Factory. Los Angeles 5 piece Grouplove were on their maiden voyage to Australia. It was a short trip and this was their last night. But they made the most of it. A hour of power packed pop, enjoyed by all and seemingly the very band itself. They were smiling and laughing, bouncing and dancing through out. Totally appreciative of the rapturous reception they were receiving. The band has only one record out, a 5 song EP they released last year. But their debut album "Never Trust A Happy Song" is due out in September. So they gave us a taste of both and it tasted so good.

Grouplove write melodic songs filled with bounce and charisma. Their music is happy but not light. It is not terribly complicated, but it is spot on through out. I could compare them to Cloud Control, but with a lot more energy and variety. So, yes better. Boy do they have energy. And spirit. Lead singer Christian Zucconi is a pulsing effort in motion, whilst keyboardist Hannah Hooper is shiny and happy to the extreme. For a young band they are very tight and muscular. Highlights were the delectable "Naked Kids" and new robust songs in "Itchin' on a Photograph" and "Spun". Of course the major stand out was the encore song, the 'hit'. "Colours" is a furious whirlwind of a song. Its taut rhythm and driving melody blowing up the venue. I look forward to the new album and their future career. Burning brightly.

Set List
Don't Say Oh Well
Lovely Cup
Itchin' on a Photograph
Love Will Save Your Soul
Gold Coast
Naked Kids
Spun
Betty's a Bombshell
Slow
Tongue Tied

Colours

Support was provided by another California five piece. Young the Giant. I didn't have big expectations, but they were actually very enjoyable. Good melodies and a similar level of enjoyable energy. Good stuff.