Fun Machine, Dub Dub Goose @The Phoenix, Canberra(28/7/11)

Sun 31st Jul, 2011 in Gig Reviews

It’s three in the afternoon and after a day slaving over a hot screen, a Facebook message brings bad news. “A hundred and four have accepted for the Phoenix tonight, come to Transit and party,” with the obligatory link to a bunch of snake oil musicians.

Pfft. There was only one party worth going to this particular Thursday night even if it did mean getting there at the un-godly Phoenix time of seven thirty to secure passage into that smelly little pub. My efforts were however rewarded when John bought me my first cider and we sat there mulling over the prospect of two of Canberra’s hottest acts appearing on the same bill while watching the unlucky late-comers start to line up outside the front door.

“So,” I said to John who was slightly preoccupied by the new additions to fine decor of the Phoenix, “Who do you reckon is the headline act?” John shook his head and pointed to the scrawl on the blackboard which seem to indicate Fun Machine were being supported by Dub Dub Goose but the debate was settled shortly afterwards as Fun Machine went through a vague sound check. The capacity crowd who had been lurking around the stage and very generously making it easy for the rest of us to get to the bar suddenly coalesced as the dance floor was unceremoniously cleared. The party had arrived.

It was The Phoenix at its best. The band so close you count the sequins on Ramsey’s leggings, the music hot and fresh with Bec Taylor laying down the infectious Fun Machine groove which meant all Chris Endrey needed to do was stand around looking hot. And sing occasionally. The crowd lapped it up and I swear the roof lifted when Endrey started up the Nintendo medley. When you’re in the Phoenix you don’t need a Nintendo if you’ve got the Fun Machine.

But wait, there’s more! Normally when you’re having a great time while Canberra shivers in the middle of winter and the party ends somewhat early, you start muttering about how nothing ever happens here and maybe life might be better somewhere else. Not so when the Goose is about to get loose.

I barely had time to get to the bar, along with every other thirsty soul before Beth Monzo fronted what seemed more like a jazz ensemble than a seriously groovatious band. With their front line spilling over the tiny Phoenix stage we were off and dancing, again. There has been a few line-up changes over the last twelve months or so, but the sound is still the same top tapping body swaying beat. Fast or slow it doesn’t matter, the blend of brass and guitars with Monzo’s distinctive vocals is bound to get you moving. Once you’re off, Nick Combe’s sax or Rueben Lewis’ cornet will blow you away.

Sometime after midnight the music stopped despite the deafening calls for another encore and the crowd slowly unpacked itself. It was time to catch up with friends and grab a quick pint before heading out the door taking a bit of the Fun Machine and Dub Dub Goose magic with you.