The Mares

As small a venue as it is, the Hopetoun is by no means small in atmosphere. Even with a half filled room, the place carries the hopes of many a small band as a launch pad to stardom.

So, on Thursday evening, 2 such bands stepped up to the metre-high stage and gave their all.

Scanning the room of fellow punters, I spotted a number of local celebrities from bands such as Jump 2 Light Speed & Hoffman, in amongst those happy to play some pool, down a couple of beers and enjoy some indie talent.

Melbourne act Souls on Board were already carving up the stage when I arrived. Their performance far overshadowed the mediocre response they were receiving from the crowd, and their ironic “Thanks very much” after most songs had me thinking they believed the same.

This is a band that, rather than get involved in idle banter with the crowd, would prefer to let their music speak for itself – and it speaks of urgency, warmth, and even speculations of masturbation.

The 4-piece worked together well. A tight blend of keyboard, bass, drums, guitar, slide whistles & toy guns were mixed well to create a noise that was pleasing to the ear and created approving nods from the punters. A few instrument swaps occurred throughout the set to add a touch of variety, mainly between guitars and the much-loved cream keyboard that glowed under the warm stage lighting, and it was interesting to see the change in dynamics when Anthony took over the reigns of the keyboard and left Mark to the guitars & tambourine.

Being the prelude to the headlining act, a blonde, attractive Paris Hilton impersonator bounced onto the stage, literally showing what she was made of. Thankfully, the Jackass beer coasters dotted around the pub also played a censorship role very well.

It wasn’t long though before she stepped aside and let the Mares take the stage. Dark and emotive, I was drawn in by the deep brown eyes and twisted snarl of lead singer Jamie as he flicked out his back leg and threw himself into every song they had prepared for the evening. This is a band that knows their songs to a fault and they play them with such conviction and tenacity that you can’t help but get into it yourself.

Whilst I was not completely familiar with the Mares’ catalog of tunes, they were all thoroughly enjoyable, with Biscuit Tin being one of my favourites from the night.

At times the music drowned out the singing, but it was all so good that it was hardly a dampener on the evening. From start to finish, the set was full of energy and spark, such a stark contrast to a somewhat bleak Thursday evening.

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