GIG REVIEW:
EVERYDAY APATHY
@ENIGMA BAR Words and photos by Jenny Jung
When I met up with Everyday Apathy (EA) at their first headlining gig as a local band at Enigma Bar, there wasn’t a hint of nervousness in their expressions. Rather, they were as I had always known them – laid-back, warm, and a hell of a crowd to hang out with. They’d been moshing, they said as we headed downstairs for some air, that’s why they were so sweaty. Everyday Apathy is a 5-piece indie band from right here in quaint little Adelaide, but their stage presence and energy does not give that away. Fronted by Julian Renner on vocals, EA consists of two guitarists – Max Docherty-Kenny and Jeremy Wojak – a bassist, Rafael Aquino, and drummer Jay Helbers. They all went to the same high school, all with an affinity to playing music and a love for the indie rock scene. Perhaps it is this closeness and long history that allows them to play all together with great chemistry. You can tell that they’ve become more acquainted with playing gigs — this is their third one, with some more locked down — and their ability to engage an audience and get them jumping around is impressive. I think that part of what generates this level of excitement in the audience (apart from the fact that the bar is 10 feet away from the stage) is the sincerity and intensity with which they play. They start off their set with their first and newest single, Heavens Gate, a title which apparently takes inspiration from the infamous cult of the same name. The riff is punchy and coy, reminiscent of the Strokes’ earlier tracks, namely Trying your Luck and its moody minor melody. But it’s not completely derivative either, and their contemporary indie pop influence is also noticeable alongside this obvious homage to the Strokes, particularly in the structure of the song. For a debut single of a local band with no industry connection or recording expertise, Heavens Gate is truly an impressive effort - and I think this is the perfect time to say that EA is one of those bands that are better live, which in fairness owes to the limited resources for recording and mixing their very first track. Despite this newness, you can tell that they’re seasoned players of their respective instruments. Heavens Gate lacks the messy self-indulgence that is characteristic of any artist’s first public release. Instead, the arrangement feels sleek and intentional; packed with riffs, exciting
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