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When they’re on they’re on but when they aren’t it’s another kettle of fish altogether. Don’t get me wrong, I think The Vines have written and recorded some great albums, but unfortunately the live experience really doesn’t cut it. It’s a real shame because their music has stood up to harsh recent criticism in the UK with Highly Evolved being rated as one of Australia’s most successful alternative releases in recent times.

The stage was warmed by Adelaide starlets The Shiny Brights and Wolf & Cub, with a sold out crowd to witness the spectacle and the makings of what could be one of the best shows this year.

Front man Craig Nicholls personal issues have been well documented and what this show highlights is that he still has a long way to go in managing his condition and allow The Vines to continue touring and prove how good a band they could be.

The first four songs were electrifying and the crowd were really into it. Kicking off with Manger off Melodia followed by the more recognisable chart singles He’s A Rocker and Don’t Listen To The Radio.

It was right at about this point when Nicholls shirt came off that the show started to head into a steady nosedive. The crowd were initally oblivious to this and were really encouraging the band to play a killer show. However Nicholls fragility was becoming increasingly obvious as they belted out Jamola. Pre show rumours that Nicholls was having a bad day heightened by some frustrations taken out on some furniture back stage during soundcheck were reinforced by the onstage performance.

There were times when the rest of the band looked frustrated with Nicholls behaviour but seemed resigned to the fact that all they can do is push on and make sure that they’re playing to the best of their ability.

Hearing songs like Get Out and the infectious pop-rock flavoured Highly Evolved did give a glimpse of greatness but this is something the band have never been able to sustain for a full set in the eight times I have seen them.

Nicholls did remind the sold out crowd that he was trying to do his best and admitted to three breakdowns this month alone. Surely, this must be a major concern to those who are close to him in providing the ongoing support he needs.

Still, the show must go on and the hits kept coming with Homesick, Ride and Get Free to finish the set. Outkast’s Hey Ya was an interesting cover to say the least and gave punters the chance to sing the words – Ĺ“shake it, shake it like a Polaroid picture’.

By the time the encore arrived I was a little over it and the band fought out a tough night at the office with Hey, Dope Train, Vision Valley and Scream to wrap things up.

Lets hope for all concerned that things improve for Nicholls and the band for the upcoming Big Day Out tour.

Set List:
Manger
He’s A Rocker
Don’t Listen To The Radio
Jamola
AS III
Highly Evolved
Get Out
Merry Go Round
Homesick
Brain Dead
Outtathaway
True As The Night
Ride
Hey Ya
Get Free

Encore:
Hey
Dope Train
Vision Valley
Scream

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE