Sugar Army, Foxx on Fire @NSC, Melbourne (29/8/09)

Tue 1st Sep, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Last time I saw Sugar Army perform they were supporting Karnivool at the Forum and Patrick was the perfect front man. He climbed on foldbacks, was full of energy and did everything he could to motivate an immobile crowd. Tonight he was the complete opposite. The crowd was ready: the venue was almost full, beer flowed freely, screaming young fans were dancing, climbing onstage and calling out proposals to bear band members’ children. But he didn’t even seem like he wanted to be there. The question is why. Was it as excusable as an off night? Or was the performance at the Forum a one off for the cameras recording that gig? Or has Patrick taken a little too much inspiration from Ian Kenny and tried for the space cadet look but accidentally found himself looking stoned rather than thoughtful.

I’d heard good things about the support band Foxx on Fire. And when those four Melbourne boys launched into their set with an upbeat song I wanted to dance. I didn’t. No one else was. Nonetheless, it’s always a good sign when you want to. The set mellowed out after this and then became a bit too instrumental. Each song had a really nice feel to it but then never progressed to anything more and was somewhat repetitive. Their exit was brilliant though. The drummer, Geno Carrapetta, thrashed his cymbals while stepping onto and over the bass drum, – œGrazie’ he thanked his audience and keyboardist, Edward Housden, took to the kit to show off his chops.

Sugar Army began their set with Building Castles from their debut album The Parallels Amongst Ourselves. The album came out this year and it must have had great exposure because every song was recognisable. Their songs have some really catchy hooks and drummer Jamie busts out some awesome drum beats with a touch of funk in them when he has the chance. He was easily the most entertaining and energetic person on stage all night. Although, the girl that climbed onstage and refused to get off even when pot glasses were being thrown at her came a close second.

The band forced an encore which is never a good idea at the Northcote Social Club because there is no backstage to exit to. Instead they seemed to wander slightly offstage for a total of thirty seconds before reappearing to finish the lacklustre set. Aren’t encores supposed to mean something?