I, A Man - Live @ Northcote Social Club (EP Launch), Feb 24

As if it wasn’t enough that I, A Man offered a killer sophomore EP, they also provided one of the best line-ups to launch it that inner-Melbourne has seen this year thus far. Namely, a handful of equally obscurely named bands, well, except for opening act Neighbourhood Youth that is.

They don’t have much visual appeal, dressed in plain shirts and shorts, they furrow the typical ‘heads-down’ mode of most fresh faced acts, but nevertheless sound far better than most opening acts should. Particularly given the small crowd, their tight rhythm section – all trebly bass and backbeat drums – suit their indie rock swell nicely. They even get some cowbell action in for Only One, with their other tunes characterised by stop-start dynamics and shuffling, danceable rhythms while frontman John Philip offers some yearning vocals. Their strongest tunes, namely the upbeat Home and hook-driven Stone, have a solid thing going, if not the performative aspect to sell them just yet. Elementally, they’ve got it going, but there’s still some gelling to go yet. 

'You're Boring Us All' Interview: I, a Man

An interview originally syndicated for Tone Deaf, just in time for the band's launch at The Northcote Social Club tonight.

Through no conscious effort, Melbourne four-piece I, A Man are adding to the tally of unGoogleable band names, “Yeah, we probably shouldn’t have called ourselves that” laughs singer/guitarist Dan Moss, “It’s probably the one part of the band we’ve put the least amount of thought into” admits fellow axeman Ash Hunter. “The majority of the time, you have to repeat it to people after a gig. They think ‘Iron Man!?’ The Robert Downey Jr. comparisons come flying” adds their drummer, the fabulously named Sumner Fish. Despite the confusion that suggests they’re named after the popular comic book character, or a Black Sabbath song; the quartet have put far more attention towards crafting their music.

Introducing... I, A Man

Apologies to Al's Music Rant purists, but I've actually already introduced Melbourne quartet I, A Man's deliciously atmospheric guitar rock to the wider masses. After hearing their sophomore EP You're Boring Us All, I was instantly smitten with their textural approach to songwriting, a deft sequencing of their striking guitar sounds, dreamy vibes and beautifully rendered songcraft. What followed was a quick turnaround on a review of the same EP for Beat magazine, and spotlighting as the second act ever for a new column for the wonderful folks over at Everguide, entitled 'You Need To Know.'