Dananananaykroyd @ TheAnnandale, Sydney (29/07/09)

Sat 1st Aug, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Regular John are starting to exceed the expectation level their band name sets up. They aren’t your average Joes, which a supporting slot for one of the most exciting bands of the moment, reflects. Though the style of the two bands playing tonight were largely different, with the visitors coming across as a little more put together, which is not to the detriment of Regular John the way it might be in any other workplace. A common feature is that they are both extremely energetic on stage, creating a raw type of party mood that is full of possibility.

Like all supports, the band had to coax the crowd saying, ‘It’s ok to come forward’ before kicking off with some, – œDuh duh duhs’ and an enthusiastic – œOh yeah!’. Abattoir Noir is bloody, as in bloody good.

It doesn’t matter what night of the week it is, most bands will thank you for coming and make the point that it’s – œWednesday night!’ like it’s a reason to party in itself, Regular John were no exception.

Whilst all bands make noise, few are this noisy. It was so loud nostril hairs and eyelashes were quivering.

Regular John are converting people all over the place, not just to their music, but also to their spelling, with the fun number, We Spell Love.. and the outsider’s anthem Language . At this point, they weren’t even half way, that’s how full the set was, as if the Tim Tam genie was there clicking his fingers.

The between song commentary was at its most drawn out when one song was described as – œa weird song off the album. It’s about that crazy unity between two people’. The album is Peaceful Atom Is A Bomb and features most of the songs the band played tonight. One memorable lesson the band imparted was the pronunciation of – œDa – na – na- na – na- rak – roid’! Maybe you should practice in a mirror.
They proclaimed, – œWe’re playin all year round’ which is a good and special thing. They take pride in their sturdy place amongst the Sydney live music landscape.

Brock helped finish the show in grand style by playing guitar along the bar to its middle, a bit further than he pushed it last time, like a marathon runner in training, just a bit further each time.

The band with the crazy name took to the stage. In the flesh they were five skinny boys in polo shirts and one girl. They looked like they could be from around here, until they opened their mouths and they sounded like Billy Connolly. They extend the more traditional five piece with the sixth band member alternating between vocals and drumming. This adds a real dynamism to the show, not just because he bounces around the stage but because it means that the musicians sort of play off each other. The beginning of the set was astounding with the kids belting their instruments in a battle of soundmaking. There was an enamoured intensity between musician and instrument, all heads down bums up.

Preceding this, singer Calum waved at the crowd for a good minute or so, semi-smiling in a painted on way, vaguely reminiscent of Chris from Skins but more intense. Although, he seemed genuinely happy after the first song saying the always welcome – œSo good to be here’. The set was underway and everyone was raring to go, band and crowd alike. The singing duo indicated to the crowd to make two paths (or something like that) at which point they jumped into the crowd. Calum forged ahead dancing and singing, whilst John remained on the ground curled up and still. This didn’t change. He didn’t move. As time passed it became clear that something was amiss. A crowd member patted him on the back and asked if he was hurt. Then Calum noticed and shouted – œStop playing!’ to the band. The music stopped. The chatter commenced.

The show was over. John had broken his arm. Everyone was very mature and polite about the whole thing. The crowd applauded in appreciation and support before moving on. It was hugely disappointing for everyone involved, especially so because everyone’s appetites had been whetted. It was set to be an entertaining show with so much dancing and general craziness, the very aspect that they pushed a little too hard. It was presumably disappointing for the band too who had posted on their blog earlier that day, – œOH! The ANNANDALE HOTEL tonight is like a dream come true after our heroes LIFE WITHOUT BUILDINGS recorded their live album there! EXCITED!’. I’m not alone in wishing JBJ a speedy recovery and the band a speedy return to a Sydney stage.