I Heart Hiroshima

I Heart Hiroshima

After 40 shows across Europe within the last two months, we'd forgive I Heart Hiroshima for being a little jaded. Yet, as the hour progresses and their pace quickens, it becomes clear they're anything but. This feels more like an intimate, jocular showcase of old and new before friends than an egotistical homecoming. It's this lack of pretension that has endeared Brisbane audiences to the indie pop three-piece since their 2005 inception, and spared them from falling prey to tall poppy syndrome. Put that curiosity down to their ability to remove the barriers that lesser bands construct between audience and artist, as evidenced by the punter who takes to the stage and introduces drummer Susie Patten's new haircut.

As her tambourine bounces atop the hi-hat in 'Punks', Matthew Somers and Cameron Hawes concentrate on their intersecting guitar parts. Still their most popular song, its circular stop-start rhythm and lyrics are as vital as any pop song written within this city's borders. Their cover of 'Pink Frost' by Dunedin’s The Chills is faithfully adapted to suit the band's bass-less configuration; their lack of a bottom end emphasising Patten's steady bass drum beats. Central to the band's songwriting dynamic is a refusal to overcomplicate tracks. Only the necessities remain: a beat, clean riffs and shared vocal hooks.

It's approaching 1am once the loose gait of 'Stop That' is punctuated by Patten's thump-thump, and moments later she's signing anything within arm's reach from behind the merch desk, while catching up with her fans/friends; one and the same.

by Andrew McMillen