Words by Elijah Hawkins

As one of the most compelling bands to come out of Melbourne this decade, Gold Class have built a loyal following back home, and their shows are never to be missed. In London at the back end of their European/UK tour for their new album ‘Drum’, they certainly lived up to that reputation and delivered a blistering show.

Tuesday night at Moth Club in Hackney had a distinctively Australian feel to it. As well as two of Melbourne’s best bands on stage, with Cable Ties also along for the ride, there was enough Aussies in the crowd to make this antipodean writer feel right in place. JW Ridley was flying the flag for British acts at this gig with his solo electro-pop, and whilst his style of music didn’t quite match the fervour of the other acts, it was nice to have some more variety on stage after the heavy opening from Cable Ties.

Playing just their second show in London, post-punks Cable Ties showed off some newer songs, and also played some staples of their sets like ‘The Producer‘ and ‘Same For Me‘, both of which have had significant airtime all around Australia, and particularly in their hometown Melbourne, over the past year or so. A personal highlight was seeing them play ‘Paradise‘ off their debut self-titled album for the first time live, with the 9 minute burner steadily building on the back off the ever reliable rhythm section to its climax. Though some of their songs felt like they lacked the kick that they normally have, and it was a slightly more subdued set than usual it was nonetheless thoroughly enjoyable to have them opening up the night, and the folks who got down early surely would not be disappointed.

Following JW Ridley‘s lush and mellow set it was time for the main event, and the sparkly bandroom had certainly filled up by the time Gold Class hit the stage. The band are electric live, and the rock solid rhythm section is the perfect base for the trademark interaction between the guitar and vocals that the band has made their name on. At times jagged and rough, the intricacy of their songwriting is nonetheless evident onstage, with guitar riffs woven in to the basslines and drum parts with ease. Ever charismatic, lead singer Adam Curley was in fine form, and all songs both new and old were drunk in by the enthusiastic crowd like a £4.50 pint of lager (bargain!). Highlights included old favourites ‘Bite Down‘ and ‘Life As A Gun‘, whilst new tracks ‘Trouble Fun‘ and especially ‘Twist In The Dark‘ had the room really shaking. The night proved to be a triumphant end to the band’s tour, and I’m sure the next time they make their way back to London they will be similarly well received. Gold Class‘ star continues to rise, and if they continue on the same trajectory we won’t be seeing them in these small venues for much longer.