I have a confession. I never, ever liked science. I dragged myself to high-school science classes with the air of someone walking to their death and I would safely say I was the least enthusiastic person in the lab. So it was with some trepidation that I approached Great Big Science Gig’s show at The Front last Thursday. However, I soon found that I needn’t have worried. As is constantly proven, everything is better in song. This rang true on Thursday.

Science is definitely cooler when it’s sung. Great Big Science Gig has been touring the country for years, and it showed, with a set that combined slick professionalism with off-the cuff humour and ad-libbed practical demonstrations. The charm of Great Big Science Gig obviously lies in the fact that they take scientific issues, pitch them in a way that everyone can understand and turn them into toe-tapping , sing-a-long, rock-pop songs.

They didn’t disappoint on this front either, with an ode to bees, a slightly veiled attack on those who don’t take care of the planet, a song about ants and scientific supermodels. There was also jokes about flatulence in animals that would border on school-boy humour if not for the earnest, serious tones they were delivered in, a beautiful ballad on the versatility of potatoes and a catchy number that that attempted to investigate the complex maze that is a teenager’s mind.

In between musical numbers audience participation was required, as the band conducted experiments, something that has become a bit of highlight during their gigs. Because of these practical demonstrations I now feel I’m quite schooled on the subjects of water-filtering systems and stain-resistant clothing. A gig at The Front means an intimacy that is hard to get anywhere else and this kind of atmosphere suited Great Big Science Gig to a tee, creating the impression of a small classroom-a really cool classroom, in which music is the medium of choice.

Great Big Science performed with a casual, quirky flair, making them a definite pick when you want mellow, easy listening with plenty of character. I now have to admit, science isn’t so scary. A band that plays a great show, while giving you the equivalent to a day in a classroom? Now that’s an education revolution.