Radio Birdman
with Mach Pelican and Molting Vultures
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» Radio Birdman - Prince of Wales, Vic - February 17, 2006
» Radio Birdman - Fowlers Live, SA - February 16, 2006
» Radio Birdman - Coolangatta Hotel, QLD - February 11, 2006
» Vans Boys of Summer - January 13, 2008
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After much anticipation and a soundcheck that lasted almost an hour due to technical difficulties with guitarist Deniz Tek's equipment, Radio Birdman finally came on just before 11:30 playing 21 songs over the next hour and a half.
The set opened with 'Burned My Eye 'followed by 'Do The Pop', 'Non Stop Girls' and 'Murder City Nights' from debut LP 'Radios Appear'. By the fifth song fans had got their first taste of new album 'Zeno Beach' with 'Die Like April' followed by 'You Just Make It Worse'. However, it was old favourites including a stunning 'Descent Into The Maelstrom', as well as 'Hand Of Law' and 'Aloha Steve & Danno' that seemed to really get the crowd going.
The first encore featured 'Crying Sun', one of only two songs they played from second album 'Living Eyes', as well as new songs 'Connected' and the title track, 'Zeno Beach'. The encore closed with Stooges song 'Search and Destroy' before coming back on to play 'New Race' (which there had been requests for the entire night despite Birdman almost always leaving it until near the end). This was by far the most revered song, with fans really getting into it (even if they had to wait the whole night for it).
Although the excellent-sized crowd was still predominantly of an older bent, the release of new album 'Zeno Beach' and the consequent (although minimal) airplay has definitely won them some younger fans with a more diverse audience tonight than their previous show at Fowler’s in February. Some of the stand out performances from the new album included an incredibly muscular 'You Just Make It Worse' (first single), 'We've Come So Far (To Be Here Today)', 'Heyday', 'Locked Up' (which Tek introduced by saying "In some way we’re all locked up") and the title track.
The sound was terrific and the band really tight. Rob Younger was in fine form and the guitar work from Deniz Tek and Chris Masuak was amazing despite Tek’s apologies for his failing effects pedals resulting in ‘stripped down’ versions of some of the songs. Overall a great performance showcasing both new and old songs which should lay a solid foundation for their upcoming US tour.
