Something With Numbers,Smithtown Riot @ Civic YouthCentre (16/03/07)

Mon 19th Mar, 2007 in Gig Reviews

After the release of their new single and coming off massive tours with the Big Day Out
and Soundwave, Something With Numbers have nothing left to prove. They have
kicked it with the best and had thousands dancing along to their catchy tunes. But with
such a huge hype, playing a small youth centre gig in Canberra seems insignificant. Right?

To the contrary the pure intimacy of the gig would have converted anyone to a diehard
fan. Having the band playing 3 inches from your face, smiling and holding your hands while
you dance is the perfect way to show your fans how much you appreciate them. Not just
Something With Numbers but all bands managed to involve the crowd, guitarist from
100% Juice often jumping in and finishing a song amongst the crowd. The civic youth
centre, although it doesn’t boast the best acoustics, it is a great venue for underage
crowds. Smithtown Riot spent most of the time in amongst the kids getting to know
the fans before and after their set.

Previously quite unknown to the Canberra crowd, apart from a small few in the front
row, after the gig it was clear Smithtown Riot had successfully managed to win over
many new fans. The crowd grew larger as their set continued finishing with ‘control’
(from their debut EP Smoke & Mirrors), by then the room was jumping. With such active
and energetic band members on stage it is no wonder that the crowd couldn’t look away.
Ross’s natural stage presence and enthusiasm was contagious. The audience absorbed his
energy and danced along with him. This set the stage for Something With Numbers.

Their set was non-stop madness. The crowd were dancing and screaming from the first
chord till the last note from Jake. The room was too small for the crowd, during ‘Apple
of the Eye (Lay Me Down)’ the crowd burst forward and were dancing alongside the
band onstage.

After an extremely intimate and up close performance from all of the bands, the fans
were lucky enough to have both Smithtown and Something With Numbers
hang around after the show to meet their fans. Merch sales sky rocketed when fans
realized they could get all of it signed. The atmosphere was incredible all the kids were
ecstatic to finally meet their heroes on stage. All of the windows had steamed up, security
were asking people to leave, the bands were tired but still managed to put on a smile for
every person that wanted a hug.

With all bands playing amazing sets, the night was a huge success with all punters
leaving feeling totally fulfilled. Look out for the return of both Something With
Numbers and Smithtown Riot with their own shows in the coming months.