THE REDSUNBAND live review

One of the reasons I set up this blog was to shout about music that often gets ignored in mainstream media. Today's headline act, The Redsunband, are a classic case of this. They are a criminally underrated band. This show was performed at the RSL in Newtown (aka @Newtown) in November 2004...

This was one of those evenings that started out badly, gradually improved and then finally exploded into life.

True to their name, Black Cab failed to turn up, disappointing a sizeable crowd who had arrived early to see them. 

Bonsai Kitten stepped in as replacements and disappointed everyone still further. For fifteen minutes we endured two lone guitarists playing random feedback and noise in no discernable direction. They were then joined by a singer and drummer for the musical equivalent of being offered sex but choosing masturbation instead. They enjoyed themselves but nobody else did.

Perennial bridesmaids Holy Soul then bounded onto stage armed with a pink umbrella and an eclectic batch of indie-pop. Various songs contained a bit of blues, a dash of rock n’ roll, a drop of psychedelia or a smidgeon of country music. This kitchen sink approach makes them a perfect support band. They have something for everyone but never steal the show from the headliners. 

The Redsunband have had their share of support slots recently too – but often they’ve flattered to deceive. Not tonight though. Tonight they’re in their element: blood red curtains behind them and a captive audience in front of them. 

From the barnstorming opener ‘Sleep Forever’ through the thunder of ‘Pavement’ and the lightning of ‘Devil Song’, everything crackles with energy. At times their instruments seem to be playing them and not the other way around. The harmonies between Sarah and John are intoxicating and when Liz appears from behind her hair to chip in too the effect is awesome. 

Sarah’s so excited she even manages to say a few words for once. We get a “Hello” at the start and a few mumbled words of thanks between songs (but then she goes and ruins it all by not wishing us “Goodnight”. Ooh, she’s a moody so-and-so that one).

By Andy McLean. Copyright held by author.

First published in The Brag, Sydney, 2004.