CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.

Mad March continues to run rampant in Adelaide with an abundant of entertainment pleasures of Adelaidians to feast on. For me, Pavement got the nod but unfortunately a lot of fellow citizens weren’t thinking the same way with a barely half full Thebarton Theatre. Hardly surprising really as wallets and purses start haemorrhaging after the strain of so many entertainment options.

There’s no questioning the influence of indie rock act Pavement in the nineties and it is hard to believe that they ventured down under let alone Adelaide with the original line up of Stephen Malkmus, Scott Kannberg (more recently with Spiral Stairs), Mark Ibold, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West. It was exciting for me to be able to tick another big act off my must see list even though in the back of my mind I did have an ounce of scepticism about this reformation but that was blown out the window over the course of the evening.

Opening proceedings was Melbourne act Gersey who despite playing in a plethora of other bands together hadn’t played under the guise of their substantive moniker for nearly three years. Gersey were tight played a ‘greatest hits and memories’ set featuring in the main songs from Hope Springs and Storms Dressed As Stars.

It was a really low-key build up to Pavement even when they took to the stage it was really casual and laid back. Their welcoming remark was ‘thank god we’re not playing that concrete jungle’ referring to the Summersault Festival at the Entertainment Centre back in 1996 along with Foo Fighters, Beck, Beastie Boys and Sonic Youth to name a few. Anyway, the dedicated fans it was a trip down memory lane for the next two or so hours kicking off with Silence followed by Father To A Sister and the big crowd pleaser Stereo.

It was at this point where percussionist Bob Nastanovich thanked fans for coming down rather than checking out Miss Nude Western Canada at the Crazy Horse. His banter throughout the night was hilarious and priceless and proved to be the liveliest on stage with Malkmus mumbling a few words here and there.

The highlights reel was packed full of memories but The Hexx, Perfume V and Shady Lane were highlights for me. Summer Babe was highly entertaining but at various times during the set you could pick up on this vibe that there were some interpersonal issues going on. Nevertheless, the casualness and looseness seemed to fit their music and I like most punters thoroughly enjoyed their set.

The encore wasn’t as long as the two Sydney shows on the tour despite the cheering to get them back out. Debris Slide, Spit On A Stranger and Fin were highlights that signaled the last performance in Adelaide, presumably, of the almighty Pavement. There was a further song on the set list that wasn’t played and despite every valiant attempt, that was it for the night. For those who chose not to go will probably regret this one – awesome show, just awesome!

The Set List (provided by the friendly lighting technician) includes:
Silence Kid
Father To A Sister Of Thought
Stereo
Frontwards
In The Mouth A Desert
Trigger Cut
Date With Ikea
Grounded
Range Life
Unfair
Ell Ess Two
Shoot The Singer
The Hexx
Cut Your Hair
Stop Breathing
Summer Babe
Gold Sounds
Kennel D
Fight This Generation
Perfume V
We Dance
Conduit
Shady Lane

Encore 1
Debris Lane
Spit On A Stranger
Fin

Encore 2
Linden (not played)

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.