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Kim West

You Am I, Cabins, HancockBasement @ The Maram, Canberra(24/11/10)

Mon 29th Nov, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Heading down south to The Maram on a barmy hump-day a.k.a. Wednesday, it was quite surprising to hear that one of Australia’s rock staples was making an appearance. You Am I in the Nation’s capital, and punters were keen to take advantage. After 20-odd years of being on the circuit, nine records, numerous hits, and a place in Triple J’s Hottest 100 Of All Time (#52 with Berlin Chair), You Am I really needs no introduction.

The night kicked off with Hancock Basement with a piss poor turn out (I think a whole 10 people were there). It was so disappointing, because the guys put on a really good showing – lively, rockin’, and deservedly on the bill with YAI. Perhaps the lack of bodies was one of the reasons the band decided to switch names for the evening with other support act Cabins. Oh well, what ever keeps you entertained!

The fellas were actually one of the highlights of the night, especially performing their latest single, One in a Million Does. Even with one of the symbols braking and several failed group clap chants, the boys were still really engaging, chatting with the three people in the room, discussing which band was better: You Am I or AC/DC (the former won out on the night, obviously).

The guys left the stage (probably to their relief), roadies enter, and everyone headed to the bar (hey, there was nothing better to do than get your beer on!). Cabins came on about half an hour later. Cabins had a slightly darker, but not unwelcomed, feel from the previous act. However, for most of the set, they were muffled and did not do much to entice the 16 punters in the room (the rest were still swilling beers and waiting for the main act). Cabin’s version of the Edwyn Collin’s A Girl Like You, was quite good and suited the moodiness of the room, as well as their hit Mary.

As the time drew nearer, the room started to [finally] fill and the crowd started to [finally] show signs of life (thank you beer!). After waiting 45 minutes, unsure of what was going on, You Am I had arrived. Opening with Crime off their ninth and latest self-titled offering, Tim Rogers haunting rasping vocals were greeted like old friends.

Other stand outs for the night included We Hardly Knew You, Shuck, and The Cream & the Crock. Damage also made the set list as a test to see whether the punters would know the classic. They were pleasantly surprised when they did and were exuberantly screaming the lyrics.

Rogers swigging from a wine bottle, ended the set with Purple Sneakers, and after a short break, the guys came back on and performed a couple more songs and the night came to a close.

All in all, there were highs and lows so everything worked out evenly. Great music, the crowd were kinda quiet, but improved over the course of the night. And if Rogers did nothing but sing, then the night would have been slightly more positive. However, the banter in between songs, bragging about a night with male prostitutes, how you could touch him anywhere you like for three grams of coke, and stealing punters’ girlfriends, it made the mood shift somewhere between awkward and hostile. It just made me a bit sad. But in the immortal words of Tim Rogers as he exited the stage of The Maram, “Yes, Yes! That just happened!”

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