Melbourne rock legends British India have been kicking around for almost two decades and frankly, they're a hard band not to know of.
However, they haven't been in the spotlight since 2017's 'Forgetting The Future' album. This has all changed. Even with COVID limiting the band's ability to get out and play, B.I. are currently on a 17-date, east-coast tour and I was lucky enough to catch them on Saturday night (21 May) at Solbar on the Sunshine Coast.Opening the night was Laura Mac, an exciting duo making bubbly indie pop rock, with a strong hint of The Wombats emanating throughout.
Their live performance really took a more rock stance with members Laura Maclachlan and Zac Connelly dashing and bouncing around the stage.
You could tell they had some of their own fan base in the crowd as the energy was shot right back at them. A stunning pair to watch perform, Laura Mac could not have set a better vibe for the show ahead.
Laura Mac - image © Harrison Innes
Anticipation hung in the air as keen punters filled a dripping Solbar, sheltered from the dreary weather outside. The venue was filled with chatter and a warm and eager atmosphere.
The shear reach of British India's audience was on full display, with concertgoers of all ages making sure they were ready for the show ahead.
An instrumental intro filled the air as the lights went dark, brightening as the band entered the stage to massive applause and cheers. Starting on the drum riser, lead vocalist and guitarist Declan Melia made a huge spin towards the crowd as the band's well known heavy riffs and tight drums kicked in.
'Tie Up My Hands' got right to business, setting up a lively and animated performance from the band. The crowd absolutely ate it up and roared as Declan proclaimed how the Sunshine Coast was a second home for them, casting many back to NYE 2019 – the band's last visit to the Coast.
British India - image © Harrison Innes
With such a huge back catalog, consisting of six studio albums, four of which made the ARIA Top 10 Chart, it was anyone's guess what was on the set list for the night.
Fans of all different eras were not to be disappointed, with B.I. touching on everything back to 2009's 'Thieves'. Their track 'Vanilla' was a huge stand out, sounding just that extra huge played in a live setting.
You got the feeling everyone else felt this way as well and Sunshine Coast locals brought out their best dance moves and swung their hair hard and fast to this one.
The night was filled with some very curious moments. There were times when it felt some in the crowd were not on the same wavelength as those on stage, with one punter jumping over the venue's small wooden barrier and making a half effort to stage dive into an unsuspecting crowd.
British India - image © Harrison Innes
Taking a moment to pause the set, B.I. thanked the young man for his enthusiasm, but asked not for a repeat. Another pause during the performance showed just how tight this band has grown as Declan praised drummer Matt O'Gorman as being "the best f...ing drummer in the whole world. . . or the best in my eyes".
As the night wore on and the band neared their closing song, it was nothing but hit after hit. 'Wrong Direction' and 'Suddenly' rounded out the set as guitarist Jack Tosi got some serious airtime and Declan showed some dance moves of his own, feeling right at home onstage.
With some in the crowd letting out early cheers, the band members laughed as they left the stage.
British India - image © Harrison Innes
However, there was still one song missing. Coming back for another round of huge applause, B.I. launched into their 2013 smash hit 'I Can Make You Love Me'. Beer flew in the air as the crowd surged up and down, hooked on every single word.
As the band walked off stage, a disorderly line formed at the door to backstage, many keen to meet the band. And who wouldn't fter such an amazing show.
More photos from the show.
