"Awkward banter and kind of awkward physicality as well," chuckled Vincent Giarrusso, as the he six members of Underground Lovers shuffled past each other on the stage at Brisbane's The Brightside (9 August).
Band members moved carefully across the tight space, trying not to bump bandmates or the synthesisers and speakers that filled the space. Stage-left, cellist Zoë Barry and violinist (and former Go-Between) Amanda Brown were crammed into the corner.The packed stage was reflected by the Brisbane crowd that filled out the venue, squeezing against each other from the front of the stage, all the way up the stairs to the bar at the back.
It's the band's first visit to Brisbane since 2019 (in support of their new album at the time, 'A Left Turn'). Since then, the band have been celebrating anniversaries, rereleasing albums from their '90s heyday.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of their third album, 'Dream It Down'. Possibly the biggest album in their discography, the record is their highest charting, featuring their hit 'Losin' It'. The album has received the deluxe treatment for its anniversary, and the Melbourne band's set celebrating it crushed any perceived awkwardness.
Upon seeing Brisbane musician Greg Brady in the crowd, Youth Group's Toby Martin recalled a conversation with a member of Melbourne's Gersey about a show they played together back in the day. "He said, 'Was that the show you played with fake computers on your heads?'" he told the crowd. "Yes, it was; and now we play with real computers onstage."
The Sydney band's last visit to Brisbane was also back in 2019, supporting the release of their fifth album, 'Australian Halloween'. Five years later, the band are preparing a new album, airing new material as they warmed up the crowd.
Mixed amongst the sparkly jangle of old favourites 'Skeleton Jar' and 'Cusp' were songs with a stronger electronic element. Tracks such as 'The Lodge' and new single 'Siberia' featured cold electronic grooves, synth arpeggios, and drummer Danny Allen smashing his kit.
It's a pivot from their gentle indie of old, but the new direction seemed to have reinvigorated the band, inspiring Toby to bust some moves onstage. The biggest surprise came when a set of familiar notes twinkled from the speakers.
Recorded for a pivotal moment in the 2000s soap opera 'The OC', the band's cover of Alphaville's 'Forever Young' was a huge hit, hitting the top spot on the ARIA charts and leading to big opportunities for the band.
The band were reluctant to record the cover at the time, and seemed to avoid performing it since, so to hear it live again was a pleasant surprise. While it's unlikely the band will hit those heights again, it's fantastic to see the band contentedly dancing to their new beat.
The shake of a tambourine shimmered beneath Underground Lovers' guitarist Glenn Bennie's riff on opening song, album title track 'Dream It Down'. A big drum machine beat and swooning synth burst in, and fans recognised the band's enduring hit, 'Losin' It'.
While Glenn was crammed in a corner with Philippa Nihill and Emma Bortignon and their synthesisers, Vincent grooved centre stage, enthusiastically shadowboxing to the beat of the Australian dance anthem.
Throughout the band's set, members reshuffled positions. Philippa and Vincent bumped against each other as they traded roles, the former's sighing vocals taking lead on dreamy electronic track 'Recognise'.
As Glenn's gentle strum faded away, he joined Emma and Vincent on synthesisers. Hunched over and fully focused on their respective consoles, the trio recreated the song's extended dubby outro, filling out its downtempo vibe with whooshes and burbles.
Alongside their electronic excursions, Underground Lovers are also known for creating massive rock songs, such as their single 'Las Vegas'. Beginning with Vince's vocals and Maurice Argiro's sliding bass lick, the song exploded with Glenn's overdriven guitar and the forceful drumming of Richard Andrew.
Silenced filled the room as the band paused for dramatic effect, with Vince trying not to break into laughter from the compliments shouted from the crowd. After Vince regained himself, the band roared into the song's reprise, with Zoe and Amanda's sweeping strings crowning it in grandness. The sound overtook Vincent, who closed his eyes and proceeded to mimic Richard's drums in the air in front of him.
After performing their 'Dream It Down' set, the band dipped into other fan favourites including the ultimate Underground Lovers song, 'Your Eyes'. Amongst other songs were 'Au Pair', the rocking single from the band's 2013 comeback album, 'Weekend'.
While much of the set paid tribute to their glorious past, 'Au Pair' is a reminder the Underground Lovers' story thankfully continues, awkward banter and all.
