British India

I can distinctly remember the first time I saw British India. It was a few years ago and a buzz accompanied the band and their first nationally recognised single, 'Outside 109'. A packed Evelyn Hotel watched four very young, fresh faced kids belt out punchy indie rock. I saw potential back then, and tonight, having accumulated an EP and full length album to their name, they delivered on that potential.

Main support, Reptiles, did a superb job of warming up the fast-filling venue. I was quickly drawn to their grungy, noisy set. Their casual appearance – four young t-shirt ‘n’ jeans guys – belied the big, aggressive sound that came from the stage. Distorted guitars and tormented vocals were the order of the set, while a song or two were distinguished by an uptempo beat. Reptiles breezed through their set with ease and calmness, showing no signs of nerves, given the gig was declared sold out before they started playing.

There’s no doubt that Guillotine’s status as Triple J’s Album of the Week a while ago drew the massive crowd to this album launch but, as stated earlier, British India had been creating their own momentum from a while back. Fortunately the slick production that’s to be found on their debut was left behind in the studio because tonight the songs were given a raw and explosive treatment. Like Reptiles before them, this group of (still) young guys generated an energy on stage far greater than what they looked capable of. 'Outside 109', 'Run The Red Light' and 'Russian Roulette' developed a rougher edge courtesy of the band’s crazed manner of performing. Those popular songs had the crowd singing and jumping in unison, with an approving enthusiasm. Vocalist Declan Melia cut an interesting focal point: mad-scientist like with an unkempt bowl haircut and thick black rimmed glasses, while his perfect teeth and grin added a boyish charm. Most appealing though was his passion whilst performing and the deep concentration he displayed in delivering the dramatic and intriguing lyrics. ‘My chest is caving in the heat / My chest is caving in this room’ he sang while the crowd observed his anguish.

Their most successful song to date, the very likeable and pleasantly pop 'Tie Up My Hands', was given tougher edge that made the album version seem just that little too tame and helped it blend in with this set of rather heavier songs.

Years ago, British India promised a lot. It appears to have taken a while but on this night, they showed that there was genuine substance to their earlier gigs that justified the hype. Though it was a relatively short set for a main act, they packed in good songs that were performed really well, passion, enjoyment of their art and an ability to affect the crowd, and to be honest, what more could you ask for?

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