Perhaps it’s unnecessary to point out how strange it felt to be spending Thursday evening of the long weekend at the Croxton Park Hotel. But as little as three months ago, such a prospect would’ve suggested my life had taken an unsavoury detour. Anyway, here we were, opening night of the Croc’s newly revamped bandroom, which is bloody huge – big enough to fit 900 people, which is how many there were when You Am I hit the stage later in the evening.
Main support duties were handled by Canadian muso Bahamas. The solo project of Afie Jurvanen grew into a five piece on stage, and man did they know what to do their instruments. Jurvanen’s songs are pleasant – innocuous at worst and heart-stirring at best – but this show was a source of wonderment chiefly for how well the band interacted. Each of them carefully attended to their respective tasks, from the female backing vocalist to the jazz-inclined drummer and sophisticated lead guitarist. For a first taste of the Croc’s new soundsystem, this was as good an intro as you could hope for.
You Am I’s appearance at the Croc’s grand re-launch coincided with the announcement of the band’s tenth album. It’s been five years since their last release, and the ensuing period included a major retrospective tour celebrating the iconic releases, Hi Fi Way and Hourly, Daily. Suffice to say, the band would’ve been eager to play some new songs. The record’s lead single Good Advices hit the internet just prior to the gig, so it seemed fitting that’s what they started with. Though, there were a few hiccups sound-wise, which made it difficult to properly discern the song’s subtleties.
From here, they proceeded to play what we can assume is the majority of the forthcoming record. Some things stuck – Tim Rogers and Davey Lane’s guitars were at piercing volume and displayed the pair’s dazzling dual ability as well as the fine pieces of engineering they held in their hands. However, the drums were reduced to a meagre splashing sound and Rogers’ vocals were often hard to make out.
There was a near audible sigh of relief when the band moved from the new album material into 1995 favourite How Much Is Enough. While the sound had definitely improved, it also wasn’t such an issue anymore as a good portion of the crowd began singing along with every word Rogers uttered. You Am I aren’t known for pumping out best of sets (aforementioned retrospective tour notwithstanding), but tonight’s second half was just that. We got everything from Mr Milk and Soldiers, tothe underrated Givin’ Up And Gettin’ Fat, and the dalliance with power pop bliss, Get Up.
The encumbrances on the performance’s opening sequence were totally forgiven, and while Rogers certainly wasn’t in the best mood, this gig showcased just how many excellent songs You Am I have written. Looking forward to hearing the new album again, only next time at a friendlier volume.
BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Photo by Tegan Louise
Loved: The venue’s proximity to my house.
Hated: The sight of pokie machines in the neighbouring room.
Drank: A lot of booze hey.
