The Brunettes, Cherry Marines,Rainbow Rabbits @ Bar32(28/02/2008)

Mon 10th Mar, 2008 in Gig Reviews

When I first heard New Zealand bubble gum pop duo, The Brunettes would be stopping by Canberra for a Bar 32 gig, I was a little puzzled.

The brown eyed brother/sister outfit have been trekking around Australia for the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival circuit, and the pit stop, at Canberra’s cosy alternative nightclub, sounded simply too good to be true.

Cover was a disgustingly reasonable price tag of $5 and the mixed bag of acts, including Rainbow Rabbits and Cherry Marines, was sweet like candy floss and more fantastic than getting what you asked for at Christmas.

Puzzled maybe, but certainly not disappointed. Bar 32’s Gangbusters VIII always you feeling like you’re standing in a hallway at a crowded house party. It’s 2am and you’re trying not to spill your drink. Shaggy haired indie boys and red lipstick clad minxes line the walls. The band stands on the ground and the punters surround them in a semi circle- up close and in your face.

Being a frequent Bar32 goe-er, and well aware of the Gangbusters VIII vibe, there was no way I could miss my favourite brunettes in this setting.

Doors opened at 8pm, and it seemed that everyone has the same idea, with the venue chockablock by 9pm.

Local Indie rockers, Cherry Marines, paved the way with a tidal wave of sounds creating blissful highs and lows.

The evening also marked the final show for Canberra girl-rap-band Rainbow Rabbits. Peaches-esque beats were on and resident DJ, Sarah and her girl posse were NBA blinged, as they belted out crude lyrics to the phat beats of Hancock Basement’s Tom Spira.

If you were sitting outside waiting for The Brunettes, The jump rope beats of Brunettes Against Bubble Gum Youth made you flinch in confusion, as the Rainbow Rabbits belted out a mash up cover of The Brunettes favourite.

When time arrived for our New Zealand friends, punters were revved and watered, as the innocent looking duo headed into the dark, gig-outfitted corner. Cords were tangled and the sound was raw as Heather purred with her sweeter than sugar lips and crafty clarinet skills. Brother Jonathan backed her, with playful boy/girl melodrama scenarios and catchy guitar riffs.

The Brunettes were joined by a 4 piece band, giving them that big pop feel with the sounds of banjo, cello, trumpet, a tenor saxophone, harmonica, clarinet and more acting as the perfect backdrop for their rock and roll meets big band style.

Sweethearts were swishing their vintage dresses and legs clad with acid wash jeans were shaking and shimmying, as the cheeky lyrics saw smiles creep over faces and new fans created with each song.