The Trivs, Ah! Pandita, SuperBest Friends @ Transit,Canberra, (29/05/2010)

Mon 31st May, 2010 in Gig Reviews

The end of a band can often be akin to the end of a relationship. You’ve gotten to love their music, you feel as if you really know them, and they’ve been important to you, in all the big moments of your life.

It strikes me as remarkably sad that The Trivs are moving on, considering they were just really starting to pick up momentum, with their music being played on Triple J, and their recent main stage slot at Groovin’ the Moo. However, if it had to end, at least they went out with a bang, with an energetic (if nostalgic), show at Transit Bar last Saturday night.

Opening were fellow Canberra darlings, Ah! Pandita. Having not seen the indie girl trio play for a significant period of time, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much the band has grown and changed in their sound. The addition of drums gave their set a more energetic live sound, and Gemma Nourse’s vocals were almost addictive, with their clear Australian twang. The highlight of the set was when the girls graced us with a cover of the 90’s pop classic Mmm Bop by Hanson, as their tribute to The Trivs, who are also ‘a good looking boy band,’ according to the girls.

Super Best Friends soon followed, with their incredibly fast-paced, head-banging set of punk tunes. The contrast to Ah! Pandita was quite stark, and it took a bit of adjusting to get into the set, but each new song raised the energy level one stroke higher, and the relatively small crowd began creeping closer to the stage.
At this point, Transit was still uncrowded, and it was only as Super Best Friends played their last couple of songs that people made it onto the dance floor. By the time The Trivs came on, however, it was quite packed, full to the brim with loyal fans and friends of the four-piece.

I have to admit, I was expecting a little more from The Trivs, considering it may have been the last live show they ever play. The set was tight, and full of the bouncy, pop energy we’ve come to expect from the band. But, that sense of excitement didn’t quite seem to be there, and instead, it felt a little formulaic at times. Still, the guys can certainly play their instruments, and the crowd were loving it.

The night wrapped up with the Party By Jake DJ’s pumping out some dance-friendly tunes.

Despite the sad nature of the gig, it was pleasing to see Ah! Pandita and Super Best Friends also put on such great sets. The Trivs might be over, but the future of Canberra music still lives on!