BRITISH INDIA

+ Raised as Wolves + Tinderry

@ UOW Unibar 8/12/17

(Live Review)

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Opening British India’s electrifying gig at the University of Wollongong’s Unibar were Wollongong locals Tinderry. Tinderry’s psychedelic riffs and punchy bass lines had the early crowd spun into a groovy feel. Guitarist Haydin Kaynak’s dynamic solos ripped ever so smoothly through the set, putting a rocky finish on all songs. Finishing up with their newest single ‘Dreamed Notions’, the smooth feel accompanied by lead singer Ben Murray’s raspy vocals set the tone for an electric night and leaving Tinderry to be seen as ones to watch for the future.

Bringing in the heavier tunes to be heard before British India were three-piece Raised As Wolves. The band’s melodic punk tunes were received well by the ever-growing crowd, and by the end of their set had those standing by, jumping. The chemistry between the three members; Brad, Mason, and Joe, was emulated throughout their set, specifically in new track ‘Don’t We All’, coupled with a slapping drum beat, and a new take on their punk sound. Raised as Wolves’ energy filled set bribed a strong sense of dedication and tightly worked tunes, finishing up cleanly before main act British India.

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Hailing from Melbourne, British India has always been able to put on a show to remember, full of energy and push. Despite their set having to be shortened due to the failing of all amps but one, the band still managed to carry out a show well received by such an engaged crowd. Playing songs from the last three studio albums, people flooded to the floor, showing that the main act was who most were solely there for. After the technical mishap, second song ‘I Thought We Knew Each Other’ breathed a catchy chorus, accompanied by familiar riffs that amongst new releases, have allowed the band’s evolution to grow while remaining within their own uniqueness as one of Australia’s best live acts.

Lead singer Declan Melia held a comedic connection with the crowd between songs, apologising also for the blown amps; rendering his guitar unheard, joking that while the audience could not hear his guitar, The Who’s Pete Townshend could. ‘Midnight Homie (My Best Friends)’ was played next, what seemed to be a crowd favourite off the newest album, with line

“I’ll be waiting for a miracle to come down”,

being echoed by concert goers.

‘Plastic Souvenirs’ off 2013 album Controller threw a familiar and comfortable jumpy vibe into the crowd, pushing more people to their feet amidst the rapidly growing mosh. Amongst British India’s know-how of putting on a great show, it would be easily forgotten that only one amp was working, to really credit the band’s and particularly Melia’s frantic energy that was not dropped throughout the whole set.

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Punchy tune ‘Precious’ of the Forgetting the Future (2017) album pushed the crowd into a frenzy, generating a strong atmosphere of pure connection to the music, translated well by the band themselves. The catchy and addictive riffs effortlessly linked to songs both prior and after, to which would surely exceed a first time live British India goer’s expectations for what was to come from such a show.

Lead guitarist Nic Wilson’s solos and riffs were perfectly executed, pushing the crowd to jump further into the air in songs such as ‘Suddenly’, assisted by a constant and solid drum beat. Crowd favourites ‘I Can Make You Love Me’ and ‘Wrong Direction‘ erupted the room, with lyrics powerfully being sung back by the audience, full of ferociously young energy. Though their shortened set had come to a close, the crowd expectantly began to chant

“one more song!”,

to which the band obliged, finishing off their gig with a cover of Rage Against the Machine’s ‘Do What They Told Ya’, known by at least 90% of the crowd. As the mosh pit was untamed, the energy being created in the room was nothing short of memorable.

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AMNPLIFY – NS