Regurgitator, New Pants, IHeart Hiroshima @ SouthportRSL, 18/10/07

Sun 21st Oct, 2007 in Gig Reviews

Three piece Brisbane powerpop band I Heart Hiroshima plugged into a fairly empty room, but after only a few songs the energy coming off the band was so electric that it enticed punters to dance and clap along in droves. Drummer Susie Patten could give Kram (of Spiderbait fame) a run for his money after producing a stellar performance including playing a tambourine, hitting the skins and singing all at the same time. Meanwhile the lead guitarist Matthew Somers, who somewhat resembles Michael J Fox in the movie Teen Wolf, created some rockin’ licks and mellow vocals reminiscent of Frank Black from The Pixies.

Hailing from China, New Pants were an instant hit. Starting off with a Ramones-esque song, you would have thought the band was all rock/pop with a hint of 80’s disco beats; this was not the case two more songs into the set. These three lads perform an array of genres and it’s difficult to place them under one; it’s even difficult to place them under the one instrument as they all switch from keyboard to drums, to bass to guitar to vocals. A talented bunch (with dance moves to boot) they put on a rather physical set. At one stage one of the boys leapt offstage and took a lap around the room. These guys really are a photographers dream and their music, although lacking one direction is the most entertaining set you will ever bear witness to. It makes you think that China knows something that we don’t.

Regurgitator may have been together for over 17 years but the three Brisbane boys have never lost their spunk. After recording an album in the lush surrounds of Brazil they have finally produced their sixth album Love and Paranoia. Ben Ely known for his larrikin behaviour didn’t disappoint as he interacted with the crowd and amped them up during every song, stopping to pose for pictures and salute us with the rock symbol at every opportunity. Lead singer Quan Yeomans, battling a sore throat, didn’t fail in bashing out some hip hop vocals in Hullabaloo – the performance looked so effortless, and it seemed like he didn’t stop to breathe once. It truly was an incredible performance, as were Tu-Plang favourites I sucked a lot of cock to get where I am, and Kong Foo Sing. As this was a tour for the new album they played a fair few new tracks, including their latest single Blood and Spunk and drinking anthem Beer is Awesome.

The crowds were not down for even a second, some even accompanying them by singing along – much to the surprise of the band. Drummer Peter Kostic had trouble keeping the kit on the ground as a cymbal flew off after the second song in a flurry of beats. Even their infamous roadie made a few appearances onstage, as a pregnant woman with a pillow stuffed up his shirt. Newcomer Seja Vogel accompanied on keyboards but didn’t seem entirely comfortable on stage but fellow band mate Ben was quick to help her by interacting with her and making her laugh.

There were bodies flying everywhere and people launching themselves off the stage; it was more like a Big Day Out than your local Thursday night gig at the RSL. Capping the night off with a stunning encore consisting of distorted guitars and fast drumming was Everyday Formula , crowd favourite I Will Lick Your Asshole and for the old school fans Track 1 It just goes to show there is life after doing a reality show – 17 odd years on, these guys sure can rock.