Epicure, The Sundance Kids @Transit Bar, Canberra,(4/9/08)

Mon 8th Sep, 2008 in Gig Reviews

It was another late one at the Transit Bar with the long lost Epicure returning to the live music scene in anticipation of the forthcoming LP postcards from a ghost.

Adelaidians The Sundance Kids warmed up the crowd, instantly brightening the room with upbeat romantic pop rock tunes. The room was filled with lovely ladies who were not only taken by the music but also the charms and good looks of the fellas on stage. Front man Ash has a friendly demeanour, smiling cheerily and giving praise to the Canberra audience confessing that – œIts always a pleasure coming to Canberra’. His vocals are strong, passionate and pleasant to ear. The rest of the boys played beautifully, most notably was Suresh on the drums. Electric guitarist Luke looks a lot like Chris Martin but the similarities with Coldplay don’t end there as the band’s use of acoustic guitars makes their style somewhat similar, though slightly more on the pop side – not that there is anything wrong with that.

To the Ash’s delight, a young couple took to the dance floor as Ash dedicated love song Stay With Me to – œeveryone who is lucky’. Those not so lucky were ready to puke as the young lady mounted her man (I give them a month). Also included in their set were tracks Coincidence and Solutions from their EP Including The Atmosphere, which they managed to flog off to several fans after luring them in by the prospect of free stickers.

Then it was time for Ballarat’s Epicure. As usual the late night at Transit led some out the door prematurely. This didn’t dishearten the remaining audience members. One fellow swooped up to the stage taking a quick glimpse at the set list and pumping his fist, no doubt excited by the old favourites Armies Against Me and Self Destruct in 5 from The Goodbye Girl. Before the band could play its first track Cobra Kisses, several keen fans jumped to front of the stage ready for some melancholy alternative country rock to bless their ears.

The band continued with the good looking theme. Front man Juan, with the hottest neck in the music industry (seriously just have a look next time), has one of the most distinct voices around. The band as always has brilliant energy though at times they looked almost downtrodden whenever technical difficulties arose or errors were made. Despite this, they were able to joke about it with Juan feigning an early exit and warning the audience that Snakes and Foxes was being played live for the first time and – œwould probably be a train wreck’. Not so Juan – it was fantastic! Juan’s poise was typically despondent with the odd thanks between songs as though he wasn’t sure the crowd was enjoying themselves. The boys were admittedly out of practice but they were still fantastic and their fans were clearly pleased to see them again. The band regretfully declined fans’ requests for oldies as they couldn’t recall how to play them. An unfortunate absence was Feet From Under Me but it would be hard to fit in all the Epicure goodness in the world. Juan finished up with an intimate solo performance playing Tightrope Walker from LP Main Street. Canberra awaits Epicure’s swift return following the release of postcards from a ghost later this year.