You Am I, Richard In YourMind, Cabins @ The Metro,Sydney (16/10/10)

Wed 20th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Supporting You Am I at The Metro on Saturday night, Sydney outfit Cabins played a set that has created quite the convert in me. Leroy Bressington was engaging to watch and his unique vocals perfectly compliment the rolling rhythms, creating an almost hypnotic musical experience.

A cover of A Girl Like You by Edwin Collins was introduced as a reason to dance, and although the crowd didn’t break into unbridled dancing zeal, it was a well received inclusion in the set. Catcher in the Rye was undoubtedly the audience favourite and a well chosen closing song that showcased the passion and talent evident in this quartet.

Richard In Your Mind followed next and were their wonderfully energetic and quirky usual selves from start to finish. They aptly combine an eclectic range of sounds into their own without allowing it to feel crowded, somehow blending pop, country and psychedelic influences to create a relaxing musical experience for the happy punters.

The crowd definitely appreciated the leisurely tones of I Will, a sweet dreamy song that was followed by the livelier steel drum beats of Tiny Colossus Face, the well received first track on the new album, My Volcano. Ending their set with musical force, a cowbell, harmonica and tambourine were unleashed and Richard In Your Mind brought an almost tribal hoe down feeling to The Metro.

You Am I perfectly epitomize the nature of consistent, solid Australian rock ‘n’ roll. They took to the stage with superb style and confidently claimed their positions, amidst enthusiastic cheers from an almost packed room. Their positive stage presence spoke wonders to their past achievements, as well as their mammoth experience in the Australian live music scene. As well as this engaging stage presence, there was also a mesmerising light show playing on screen behind the band, which offered a visual feast and an additional aspect of creativity to the live performance.

The crowd also enjoyed quite a few forays into the past, cheering contentedly every time Tim Rogers announced they were heading back in time to play old favourites. And new or old, each song was sung impeccably, Rogers’ voice sounding confidant and compelling –undoubtedly the best I’ve ever heard from him. In a brief appearance, the beautiful tones of guest singer Lanie Lane were perfectly complimented, however it would have been much more appreciated if her microphone was louder and she wasn’t to some degree overtaken by the music behind her.

You Am I have indisputably secured themselves a special spot in the Australian music scene, a fact that is proved not only by their successful back catalogue covering more than twenty years, but their ability to still generate such positive response to their live shows. They have successfully crafted themselves a signature sound, and after nine albums have amazingly avoided stagnancy – a reality that was hugely evident in the clear good vibe amongst the crowd and the wholehearted support offered in response to the set, for songs both new and old.

Check out the photos from the gig