Having established themselves as a leading force in the new breed of Aussie rock gods, British India are known for their gutsy, balls-on-the-line shows and this tour is proving no different. Travelling the country in support of new album, Controller (including a couple of cheeky shows with Fall Out Boy), the local lads were obviously pleased to be in front of a home crowd – and the fans agreed.
It was a packed Hi-Fi Bar that greeted the band, already jiving from the Bee Gees soundtrack during set-up. And then it was time to rock. A bit of old school charm with the super catchy choruses of This Dance Is Loaded and Avalanche getting the crowd singing along as the moshpit grew ever busier. A moment of reprieve came with one of their newer singles, Plastic Souvenirs, its stripped back vibe perhaps not the best style for frontman Declan Melia to convey live. At heart, he is a talented performer but definitely at his best when he’s at his loudest.
Other older favourites from 2007’s Guillotine album, Tie Up My Hands and Run the Red Light remain set highlights to this day – impossible to resist singing along to – and rounded out a gig that showcased the very best of releases past and present. With tracks vacillating between rock, punk and hardcore, it was a horns-out affair for young and old (and the crowd really was mixed). I Can Make You Love Me took fans on an emotional journey of love and loss, a fine example of Melia’s songwriting ability.
And there’d be no better ending to a British India show than Summer Forgive Me, the ultimate anthem of power, determination and – something Melbournians are simply aching for – summer. All in all, a fantastic example of good quality rock music from our very own shores from a band that these days has trouble fitting all their singles into one show. The best kind of problem to have. This band has done the hard yards and it shows – they are seasoned performers that truly come to life on stage.
BY JEN WILSON
Loved: Sing-a-long city!
Hated: Down-tempo vocals.
Drank: Beer (and lots of it).
