[Live Review] BRITISH INDIA

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Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Friday April 12, 2013 :

“Back at the Cambridge again” says Declan Melia, front man of British India, between songs with a smile appearing on his face. As expected, the surprisingly large crowd gathered in Newcastle’s Cambridge Hotel squeals in approval. From the moment the band walked on stage it seemed like they were genuinely happy to be there, and the audience was certainly happy to see them.

Newcastle is the fifth stop on a fifteen date national tour that see’s the Melbourne four-piece literally go all around the country, and it’s all in support of their latest album, Controller.

After beginning their set with a few new songs the band bursts into some old favourites – ‘Vanilla’, ‘Avalanche’, ‘March Into The Ocean’ all make very, very energetic appearances. The entire show is without fault, with both new and old material played seamlessly. There’s no denying this band is capable of a tight performance.

The last time I saw British India was in early 2011 in a equally small but packed bar. They played the favourites, the moved around, but that was it. None of the stage banter, laughs and passion that was abundant this time around. This band, it seems, are in a very happy place, one could only suspect it might have something to do with their latest release.

One thing that never fails to baffle me with British India, as it did again this time around, is the varied crowd they draw. Young surfy types, older more ‘serious’ types, groups, singles, and then some folks old enough to be their parents, all congregated to sweat to together – and boy did they sweat.

My only complaint? I wish they played longer!

Reviewer and Photographer: Melissa Wilson

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muKTdeVjyAY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE3R4bm1mIc