Kaiser Chiefs, Papa vs Pretty,Stonefield @ UC Refectory,Canberra (3/8/11)

Sun 7th Aug, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Like it or not our fair city of Canberra often gets overlooked for gigs. For every superstar act that makes its way to the bush capital, there’s three national tours that overlook us. That’s why it came as a bit of a surprise when those charming lads from Leeds, the Kaiser Chiefs, announced that Canberra would play host to one of their few Splendour in the Grass sideshows. Cue excitement from across the territory.

Hosted in the at the University of Canberra, the gig was the place to be on Wednesday night, the refectory rapidly filling up with the standard hipster kids, beer-swilling students and odd member of the older generation.

Still on a veritable high from their turn at the pinnacle of festivals Glastonbury, Victorian sisters Stonefield are going from strength to strength, their psychedelic brand of pop the driving force behind their star status. It was this sound and dynamic stage presence that they brought to the stage for their support slot. Gone were memories of arriving at a gig only to hang around the bar while the uncharismatic support band finished their set. Instead Stonefield proved that they are every bit worthy of the buzz surrounding them at the moment, with a divine set that featured radio hits Foreign Lover and Through the Clover and had the early-birds transfixed at the sheer radiance of the four Findlay sisters.

Entertaining a much larger crowd a short time later was Sydney’s indie band of choice, Papa vs Pretty. PVP have been doing the rounds for a while now and have perfected their live shows, the result being polished, charming and tight. Hit One of the Animals provided an early crowd pleaser, and was followed up by Triple J favourites Wrecking Ball and Heavy Harm. Cursed with a crowd that just didn’t seem to want to dance, the talented three-piece played energetically, with the enthusiasm and fervour of a band on the brink of stardom.

Pretty soon after Papa vs Pretty left the stage the lines at the bar depleted and people milled in from the beer garden. It was time for the waiting game, with crowds flocking to the stage to set up camp in preparation for the main event. Just after ten, the lights in the refectory dimmed, while the lights on the stage shone and Kaiser Chiefs strolled onto the stage to wild screams and catcalls.

Sing-a-long favourite Everyday I Love You Less and Less opened the set, a wise choice considering how the song delighted the crowd. They followed this with Little Shocks and Never Miss a Beat, and by then the punters were sold. It was official. Canberra had fallen in love with the Kaiser Chiefs. The rowdy mosh pit jumped and swayed in time to each and every song, screaming every word to hits and personal favourites alike. By the time Ruby rolled around the fans were delirious with happiness, their fists punching the air on every beat. In between numbers, frontman Ricky Wilson had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand, heaping compliments on Canberra and revving them to the point of near hysteria. Every bit of a rock god, Wilson stalked the stage, clutching his microphone like a lifeline and occasionally writhing on the floor for emphasis.

The flawless set was ended with The Angry Mob, which had every fist-pumping, testosterone-riddled male in a frenzy. Calls for an encore were heeded and the night was closed by the spectacular Oh My God, which had most of the crowd hoarse from shouting every word.

By the end of night Canberrans were thanking their lucky stars that Kaiser Chiefs had taken a detour to the bush capital. It certainly made for a good night out.