Aussie BBQ
Brush Square, Friday, March 20
So let’s just pretend that the Aussie day party is a contest. There’s the Boat People with very agreeable pop. You might think they’re a little Hoodoo Gurus if only because they call the same continent home, and you’re not clever enough to find a better reference point. Then there’s Red Riders, who are equally efficient if not a little more dramatic. The Fumes are early favorites if only for the edge; the duo is bluesy, sure, but it only has 11 bars to say what others want to do in 12. Later are the Grates, and despite the double entendre in the name, they’re not winning, because there’s a small gap between their two albums (awesome) and their stage show (plenty of fun but not quiet as electric). Youth Group is the other way around. Disc? Eh, pretty good, but live, they’re way more dynamic. Plus, they get bonus points for a singer with Lyle Lovett hair. Then My Disco steps onstage. Okay, if you’re going to wear a chromed-out guitar, you better rock my ass off. And mission accomplished. Winners. It’s like Steve Albini produced a Blue Cheer record. Holy Riff-a-Sauraus, Batman. Fuck and yes. Thank you everyone else for playing, but My Disco? That’s your Aussie winner.
This article appears in March 20 • 2009.