poppedmusic

San Cisco

Night and Day, Manchester, 4 March 2013

By Rosie Pearson

Having made a name for themselves in Australia’s music scene, four-piece San Cisco are just starting to grab people’s attention in the UK and, judging by Monday’s gig at Manchester’s Night and Day, they could be one of the bands to look out for in 2013.  Having toured in America with The Vaccines, they’re currently bringing a bit of much-needed sunshine to Europe.

Support came from Welsh band Catfish and the Bottlemen.  The band, with a Jack Osborne lookalike for a drummer, was beset with technical issues, for which they were overly apologetic.  The sound was big and rocky but almost too big for the Night and Day’s stage.  They were a bit hit and miss, but their last song, Tyrants, showed potential.

The main act couldn’t have been more of a contrast, playing a really upbeat and captivating set.  From the opening track they just sounded like the soundtrack to summer, evoking images of beach parties.  It was fitting then to play a new song called The Beach, for which they actually shot the video in Brighton.  Personally, I think I might have been more tempted with an Australian beach!

The natural chemistry between these four friends from Fremantle was evident on stage and, although they commented that the crowd was a little quiet, they seemed to be enjoying their first show in Manchester.  There was some movement from the audience by the end of the set – to be honest, you couldn’t help but at least tap your feet because the guitar hooks and vocals were so catchy.  At times the fusion of sounds was almost calypso-esque!

The lead singer, Jordi Biondillo, has a strong voice and was joined on vocals for some songs by drummer, Scarlett Stevens, whose beats pulsate through their songs.  Reckless and John’s Song were particularly striking, as were Rocket Ship and Awkward, both of which have been getting airplay in the UK and were therefore obvious set-closers.  It was a good show and their songs are still in my head.

I know they’re an Australian band, but to me, there is a real ‘East Coast college’ feel to this group: it’s indie-pop at its best.  I would draw positive comparisons with early work from The Drums and Vampire Weekend, as well as bands closer to home, such as Two Door Cinema Club.  If you like that genre of music, then I’d recommend checking out San Cisco on this summer’s festival circuit.

San Cisco played:

Intro
Golden Revolver
Fred Astaire
Lyall
Hunter
Beach
Reckless
Girls Do Cry
Toast
Love
John’s Song
Stella
Nepal
Wild Things
No Friends
Rocket Ship
Awkward