British India

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Bands; get a support act that matches your style. I don’t know who’s organizing these gigs, but they must’ve let their love affair with alliteration interfere with a decent night’s rock and roll. Bright Yellow and Brilliant Fanzine were unlikely support, their likeable but vanilla Snow Patrol jams not exactly rousing the crowd into frenzy. Perhaps the flamenco band from the Spanish Festival down the road should’ve raised their hands to support?

Anyway, the moment arrived and British India fans huddled around the stage like moths around a kitchen light. There was a much greater turnout than I’d expected, turning BI into the “sleeper hit” of the local music scene. The band appeared as many others do: clad in various shades of black, swigging beer and only slightly egoistic. But they burned through tracks from their debut album “Guillotine” with such vigor, the audience could think of nothing else. Monster tracks like Run the Red Light and hit single Tie Up My Hands were fan favourites, the punters knowing every word and yelling them out with reckless abandon. It made me feel good to see BI fans weren’t the too-cool, self-conscious type either: one young lass threw herself into the front row and danced like a maniac, maniac on the floor (obscure pop culture reference #1) and although she bounced and flailed with little knowledge of her own appearance, she seemed quite content. That’s how you enjoy a rock show, people!

Russian Roulette even got my head nodding- not being a huge BI fan myself- for it’s huge riffs and insane drums. The band then did the ol’ off-stage fake out, which nobody ever believes any more. I think bands need a more creative way to derive affection from their fans. Cake-making content? Anyway, they came back after audience pleas and screams and delivered the massively Hives-esque but totally rockin' Black and White Radio. Get into BI before they get really massive and make a Wolfmother-esque move to LA so you can say “I knew them when…”

All in all, though I am not a converted British India fan, I have nothing but utmost respect for the fellas: they strive to put on the best show they can, and they love their fans. That’s all you need, isn’t it?

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