Review: The Panda Band & Montpelier @ The Globe
This has got to be the tenth time I’ve seen local outfit Montpelier play on stage, and by golly they are getting good. A mixture of great indie-pop riffs, a delightful pair of lead vocalists and a stage presence and group style that oozes professionalism, I think it’s simply a matter of time before their mark on the map turns into a big black hole that swallows audiences everywhere.
Tonight’s set at the Globe was nothing out of the ordinary for these guys, with the crowd enthralled from the moment they started the set, and right through to the final crescendo of a track The Last Boat. As usual, well impressed boys.
Perth’s Panda Band are a strange outfit. They describe their sound as indie/rock/pop/electronic/tech/art… so it’s an odd mixture of samples, kickin’ riffs, dark rhythms and unique vocals. Yep, strange. Having been on a long-time hiatus touring the US and creating their own studio in which to record their new album, Charisma Weapon, it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen them live.
This eve, it seems it might be a little too long between Brisbane sets, as the Globe is feeling a little underfilled for such a high-calibre act. Nonetheless, the Pandas throw a manic set at the audience, waking me from my flu-filled stupor.
I think it may have benefited the band to have spent a little more time publicising Charisma Weapon and their tour, as it seemed to catch a forgetful Brisbane crowd off-guard. With just a little too much time between shows and releases, the Panda Band should have had a much bigger turnout and atmosphere. Next time boys, next time.
