Darwin Deez

Last year, I was luck enough to catch the last ten minutes of the New York dreamer Darwin Deez at Brisbane's Parklife. Hearing the final euphoric strum of "Radar Detector" echo throughout the botanical gardens, the lanky American left our shores leaving only large smiles. Now, as one of several headliners for Groovin The Moo, Darwin Deez is back with a string of intimate small venue gigs.

Surrounded by hipsters and indie kids alike, giant over-sized jumpers fill The Zoo. Missing both opening support acts due to prior work commitments, I enter the already jam-packed venue to see the clothing disaster Darwin Deez being his own roadie. Asking around, others comment on the fact that for the past ten minutes or sow, Darwin set up most of the instruments. Who needs techies, I guess? After a quick rush off stage, Deez returns to the stage with his full band.

All just as unique as each other, the skinny American brush head jumps straight into a well devised dance routine to several abstract tunes. Screeching to an abrupt halt, the band jump back behind their respecive instruments to open with "Up In The Clouds." Jumping through tracks from their self-titled debut album, highlights include "The City" and "The Suicide Song," the upbeat bouncy infection attitude from lead singer Darwin Smith flows down through to the audience.

With random, yet hilarious, choreographed synchronized dance moves and an even more obscure amusing rap, every punter in attendance laps up the entertaining show. Interacting back with the crowd the whole time, it's clear that the band is having a blast as well.

Commerical successes "Radar Detector" and "Constellations" are understandably saved for last, however, it's the uproarious and amusingly catchy track "Bad Day" that sees the band and audience let loose.

As expected, the irresistible-to-watch Darwin is not just a brilliant and entertaining individual, but one of the most talented melodic indie artists around. Even with that ridiculous hair of his.

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