The Drones @ The Metro, Sydney
I’ve seen The Drones a number of times since moving to Australia in 2005 and every single time I’ve left the gig absolutely floored by the intensity and brilliance of this band. I’ve already proclaimed them The Only Australian Band That Matters recently so it comes as no surprise that their gig last night at the (very full) Metro was another night to remember.
Over the course of the 90 minute set the band ran through most of their stunning new record, Havilah. Since many of these songs feature acoustic arrangements, the band spent parts of the night in acoustic strum mode, a far cry from their loud LOUD electric bombardments. I wondered how these songs (The Drifting Housewife and Your Acting’s…,for example) would gel with the rest of heavier songs but I had nothing to worry about. In fact, the varied nature of The Drones material just makes their live set all the more memorable.
I’m not going to blather on too much because I could describe every song as “amazing” so I’ll just mention that Nail It Down kicked ass and Locust opening up the encore was a great little surprise. Six Ways To Sunday’s bassline killed and I Am The Supercargo was monumental. The set ended with a blistering version of I Don’t Ever Want To Change followed by the jaunty, country-tinged Your Acting’s Like The End Of The World; it was certainly a slightly lighter end to a Drones show than I’ve been used to in the past. Once again, The Drones proved themselves to be an absolute force on stage. I’m already looking forward to the next time they hit Sydney.
Setlist
Nail It Down
The Minotaur
I Am The Supercargo
Oh My
Six Ways To Sunday
The Drifting Housewife
Cold And Sober
Jezebel
Luck In Odd Numbers
Shark Fin Blues
———
Locust
I Don’t Ever Want To Change
Your Acting’s Like The End Of The World
A few photos are up here. I had a couple Drones newbies along with me last night and they were both left a bit deaf and pretty amazed by what they saw. Hopefully their ears have stopped bleeding today. The download below is for them.
Download
The Drones – Cortez The Killer (live)
UPDATE
A kind soul recorded this show and has posted the mp3s here. THANK YOU.
October 26th, 2008 15:01
They were rather good in Brisbane last night.
Our set was the same, except Jezebel was replaced with their Kev Carmody cover, River of Tears. I’d like to have heard the former again, but the latter kicked arse as well.
October 26th, 2008 15:49
That’s a great cover. I saw Gareth play it at an acoustic gig earlier this year and it was harrowing.
October 27th, 2008 15:57
Absolutely loved this gig