Casual Projects, Paqman @Transit Bar, Canberra(17/10/09)

Sun 18th Oct, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Over the four years that Casual Projects lived in Canberra they found their way into many of our hearts. After a while most fans who saw and supported them came to know what to expect at a typical Cas P show. Bellowing and elusive supporters crying out for more, stellar and energetic performance from each MC and musician, with mind blowing solos and roaring vocals, would typically sum up their set.

However, this time around it was all different.

At their last show in Canberra at The Fringe Festival it was so stinking hot that we were begging them to cool us down a notch in their delightful way. Last Saturday night at Transit Bar rain was bucketing down and it was so miserable outside that we were begging Cas P to warm us up a little inside. On both occasions they succeeded with flying colours!

Waiting until everyone was jammed packed inside humble old Transit and attendees were gasping for their beloved tunes, the fresh and reformed Casual Projects took to the stage at 10:30 for Part I of their show.

It was obvious their recent shift to Melbourne has reinvigorated them and enlightened them with new energy and set tricks as they were full of surprises. Their vocals and instrumentation still amazes, drawing in fans old and new from the start. It shows that despite their hectic touring and hard work to get where they are, they always enjoy each other’s company as they were smiling and joking with one another the whole night.

They whipped all their hits including Move Along, Time, Little Things and Golden Eggs and a couple of new ones like Soul Ride and Motive.

In fact they were so full of delightful spirit and energy they needed rest in-between sets. So after tilting one or two refreshments back and retuned all their instruments it was time for Casual Projects Part II

Even though the crowd was energised and familiar with what they were consuming, Cas P was only half-way through ticking off the things worthy of their renown gigs. During this part of the show each MC and musician each had their respective solo and honorary stage moment.

For Munro it was crowd surfing as he admitted that he had never done it. Suddenly arms and muscles came out in rapid force to carry him from the front to back of the mosh pit. For Julian it was a special solo with wa-wa effects and rock n roll licks. For Yen it was a special drum solo that almost split the drum skins in half. For everyone else it was their own respective acapela section in all their renowned hits. They also gave a special mention to their loyal friend who filled in on bass for Kane Watters for the show. It turns out that he was hit by a car the day before just before their planned gig at Garema Place.

Understandably he was back in Melbourne recovering from a broken rib and leg. The boys ordered the crowd to yell out “Get Well Kane” while Munro took a picture capturing it.

To show that they hadn’t forgotten their roots, they brought on old friend and fellow Canberra MC Roshambo from local outfit D’Opus and Roshambo for a number. Once he’d finished he felt like crowd surfing too so once again Transit’s loyal muscular punters came forward to carry the main-man off.

To keep surprises coming, they even managed to pull off the old Jackson 5 classic I Want You Back showcasing their renown versatility.

After fans had cooled off and recuperated they were treated to classy and catchy electronica from fellow Canberra via Melbourne act Paqman. It was evident that they had worked hard mastering their craft as the beats and rthyms were mind boggling and it was irresistible not to shake your booty whilst admiring the music.

Overall both acts were a bit of the old mixed in with the new that will be sure to create a stellar future!