The red velvet curtains swished open at the Toff, and it took a moment to recognise the diminutive bespectacled gentleman standing stage-centre in front of the one and only Underground Lovers on the first of two gigs celebrating the 25 years they’ve been in existence. Why, it was none other than Greens MP and local hero Adam Bandt, and he was chuffed to be introducing a band that has left such an indelible mark on the local indie rock scene. Who could blame him? We were here this evening to listen to a set-list comprised of their works from 1989-1993 – and the excitement of the crowd was palpable.
Vincent Giarrusso bounded onstage and the Lovers wasted no time kicking off into their early days with a bang – Nice GI from their 1991 Nice EP, an amazing mixture of fuzzy post-punk and jangly guitar pop. Smiles were spreading wildly and the dancing was immediate. There was no going back; we were hooked.
The early gems from the Lovers’ back catalogue came thick and lovingly crafted, explaining to any doubters how these stalwarts of intelligent and catchy pop have always been one of the most intriguing bands in Melbourne’s long and storied musical history.
Their first two LPs, the 1990 self-titled debut and 1992’s Leaves Me Blind, were well-represented; early nuggets such as Get To Notice, Corn, Get It On, and the awe-inspiring Promenade figured big, writ large with intelligent synths, steady drum work provided by the brilliant Richard Andrew, delightful hooks and melodies, and a sublime sense of fun and humour underlying every note.
Get Off On It was absolutely majestic in its power, sounding somehow like a post-modern Doors number. A pretty improvisational take on Ladies Choice allowed Pip Nihill to show off her guitar chops. “This is an old one,” Giarrusso said before the encore as they rippled into Ascend Up. They closed the show with Ripe, rife with feedback and squawk and squall – and it was absolutely incredible.
But what struck me most about the evening was the camaraderie and chemistry inherent in the band themselves. Playing up there on that stage was a band with history, and the smiles on their faces as they delivered up their “early stuff” reminded on of a group of friends just hanging out and having fun as they played some music. And what music it was.
If you were curious, Bandt’s not so much a dancer as he is a head-bobber. But he head-bobbed like a champion. Ace.
BY THOMAS BAILEY
Loved: How Nihill’s massive mane of hair kept hanging in front of her face whilst playing.
Hated: Not being able to attend Sunday’s show.
Drank: Cider and bubbles, to keep it classy.
