CHECK OUT THE GALLERY HERE!

They say that the second time is always better than the first. A prime example: last Saturday night when The Greenroom opened its doors for the second time letting Melbourne indie-rockers British India run loose. With punters roaring on alcohol and music alone, The Maram got a bit ‘hectic’ in a good way.

“Bigger than Gaga”, British India was back in Canberra as a part of the Avalanche Tour. With them for the night, an ARIA top ten album, lots of groupies (made up of drunks, girls and skinheads) and two very likeable supporting acts.

The Greenroom still very new, had a distinct toxic smell of paint welcoming you upon arrival, hitting nostrils upon entering.

Not sure if the feelings of slight euphoria and dizziness came from the paint fumes, or the first local and lively act, Readable Graffiti. This band was highly entertaining in both sight and sound. un, upbeat electronic pop sounds consisting of a meche of guitar, drum, computer and vocals. Vocalist Buttons Machiavelly should be commended not only for his signature sense of dress (goggles included), but his showmanship.

All the way from Wagga Wagga next act, Girl In The Red Light, looked like that typical bunch of teenagers who just happen to be in a band. A little shy to open, they pulled out a few golden numbers. Strangely their sound is very strong. Sounding like Red Riders meets Oh Mercy – a sexual blend. Their new song Florence & The Sex Machine left a vibe that the force is strong. Look forward to hearing more from these guys.

British India got more than an arousing welcome from their crowd. After a few sound issues or “business, before chilling” as frontman Declan Melia described it, the band got to a gorgeous opening. 90 Ways To Leave Your Lover followed by a strong set including Run The Red Light, God Is Dead So Meet The Kids , Vanilla as well as I Said I’m Sorry. Between songs there was nothing but charm with Melia even making mention of the bands many attempts to visit Canberra, promising that they’d come back sometime soon.

The skinheads definitely came out in true form towards the end. Taking the bands cover of The Beastie Boy’s Fight For Your Right, a little too seriously. After the band had left the stage, one douche-bag managed to mount the barricade and rob the main microphone. When the band returned to do an encore – vocals were sadly not there. Even after getting the mic back, the band’s song was almost over.

Melia left the stage with a very memorable farewell, “Cheers to all those who came out and supported tonight, and cheers to the prick who stole my microphone”.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY HERE!