Review and photography: Luke Petty
Custard. The name alone stirs a wave of sweet nostalgia for Australian music fans. Their ‘Suburban Curtains‘ tour, a delicious feast of music in support of the new album, has been a delightful and hilarious journey across the country.
Brisbane’s The Stress of Leisure kicked off the evening with a sound that harkens back to the golden age of indie post-punk. Their tightly crafted songs and polished performance quickly captivated the audience, despite the sparse early crowd.
Ian Powne, frontman and guitarist, effortlessly commanded the stage, engaging the few early birds with his charisma. As the room gradually filled, Powne graciously thanked the audience for their early support. It’s a shame more weren’t there to witness their captivating set from the start. Highlights included “Unhappy Wedding Photographer” from their recent album, “It Goes Away With The Heart,” and “Connect To Connected” off “Faux Wave.”
The Fauves, a band known for their unique and unconventional approach, much like their contemporaries Custard, have returned with “Tropical Strength,” their latest album. The set kicked off with the jaunty “Un-Australians,” a vibrant taste of the new material to come.
They delved deep into their impressive discography, boasting an astonishing 13 albums since the 90s. While known for their funky singles, they showcased a surprising range, seamlessly blending psychedelic indie reminiscent of The Dandy Warhols with infectious disco grooves and Regurgitator-esque synth lines.
The crowd was thoroughly engaged, erupting with enthusiasm as the band delivered classic hits from their 1996 breakthrough album “Future Spa.” “Self Abuser” sounded as fresh as ever, followed by the irresistible stomp of “Dogs Are The Best People,” featuring three-part harmonies.
For an encore, they welcomed Custard’s lead guitarist, Matthew Strong, allowing frontman David Cox to unleash his inner dancer. The band exited to thunderous applause, acknowledging the palpable connection with the enthusiastic audience.
The anticipation was palpable as the crowd eagerly awaited Custard’s arrival. They exploded onto the stage with “Someday,” a sweet and catchy pop song from their new album. The infectious “Never Loved Melbourne (Till I Met You),” another standout from the new record, immediately followed, further electrifying the atmosphere.
While Dave’s vocals may not possess conventional power, his unique delivery, slightly off-kilter and undeniably charming adds a distinctive edge to Custard’s sound.
He has an unpredictable kind of manic energy on stage. They bounded through Hit Song and Lucky Star as he jerked about in his funky shirt, glasses and trucker hat, constantly adjusting his mic stand and shouting random things between songs like, “They said we couldn’t break it down, but we just did!”
The wonderful Pack Yr Suitcases was delivered at a frenetic pace, with Matt playing some Corona bottle slides as Dave shook the maracas and featuring Pascal from The Stress of Leisure giving it some extra pop.
Custard’s performance was a masterclass in nostalgia, expertly blending familiar classics with fresh material. McCormack, ever the showman, delivered his signature absurdist lyrics with a playful wink and a knowing smile.
The extensive setlist catered to die-hard fans, featuring beloved hits alongside surprising deep cuts—a testament to the band’s enduring vitality. A particular highlight was the inclusion of “Hello Pinball Lez,” a delightful nod to the Bluey crossover.
They finished the night on a high with an ‘encore’ of one of the greatest Australian singles of all time, Apartment, which saw the crowd go crazy as they tore it up, before everyone had one last little boogie to Ringo (I Feel Like) and Caboolture Speed Lab. Closing out an epic 23 song setlist.
This joint tour by Custard and The Fauves was a triumphant reminder of their enduring legacies. The Fauves set the stage with their distinctive sound, while Custard delivered a captivating performance that showcased their enduring talent.
Known for their quirky indie rock, witty lyrics, and signature absurdity, both bands proved they remain relevant and captivating beyond their 90s heyday. It was a night of brilliant live music and undeniable good times – exactly what one would expect from these legendary acts.
– GALLERY –
