The Basics @ Transit Bar,Canberra (23/04/09)

Sun 26th Apr, 2009 in Gig Reviews

CHECK OUT THE PICS HERE!

It’s been a bloody good year for Melbourne trio The Basics, particularly with the release of their single With This Ship. The band has definitely taken a different direction musically, which punters will most likely pick up in new tracks from their fourthcoming album, Keep Your Friends Close.

As a part of the Golden Sextant Tour across the East Coast, ‘The S.S. Basics’ docked their ship into Canberra last Thursday night. Their destination of play was Canberra’s favourite free music venue, Transit Bar. Awaiting the shipmates was a mass of eager punters. Transit goers learnt a very valueable lesson that night. Show up early, and your only consequence is to wait. Show up late and you wait also – but ! – instead outside and miss half of the set.

Did somebody say suit up? If they did, The Basics certainly weren’t listening. The boys weren’t dressed up, nor were they dressed down. They were looking pretty basic, actually. The fact they weren’t wearing suits did not detract from their show at all. When the music started, it was a bit hard to move around but the crowd managed to have their own little dance bubble.

The set was a lengthy mixed-bag of songs: old and new. Their hour long set featured tracks such as With This Ship, Rattle My Chain, Money, Like A Brother, and Hold On among others. Each tune – amazing musically and lyrically.

During the short break – ironically – Gotye played over the television sets whilst the boys went to grab another beer. Crew couldn’t help but laugh, audience members remained entertained. After the break some kid cheered “Wally’s sick”, Wally de Backer (drums/vocals) couldn’t help but whisper “syphilis” into the mic. It was clear that a majority of fans were here for de Backer popular via his solo project: Gotye.

Although – this may have been the case – you cannot ignore the prescence of the other two Basics! Kris Schroeder (bass/vocals) has a divine voice and clearly and is very chatty on stage. Tim Heath (guitars/vocals) showed off an interesting personality – screaming into the mic randomly, cracking wise. Heath sung a beautiful song titled Hello Rain. Truly a different piece from the boys, very Australian.

So the boys seemed to be singing more and more about break ups in some more minor tones, but don’t worry future Basics gig goer, their 60’s vibe is still there. Closing their set after a massive encore, the boys came on to play an old Motown piece which had everybody singing. Everybody was full roaring when the band played Rock The Casbah. Bloody oath they did. All in all it’s good to see a band like The Basics perform live.

For those who missed out this time, the Melbourne boys said they’ll be back “sometime in June” or after the release of Keep Your Friends Close which is scheduled for release this September. Sail on, SS BASICS!