Carus and the True Believers

The Northcote Social Club, situtated in the north western suburbs of Melbourne is a special Venue. No smoking, carpet and plastic cups set it out to be a very different to what the rest of Melbourne has to offer. To be deadly honest, I was in no state for anything before I walked in the door, but what I needed was one more drink. I could imagine Carus writing a song "Just one more drink, just one more drink".
This exemplifies a chilled out attitude, but a killer vibe towards his music that never ceases to appeal to the people that want to rock out. Upon entering the venue, I was excited to see The Vasco Era. This trio from Apollo Bay in Victoria seem to be taking their rock infused blues right up to the noses of punters. Off the back of their ep release Let It Burn, wild performances at both Falls Festivals the boys youthful approach bring something fresh to Australias vibrant music culture. An incident during the act saw Sid choke on an apparent beer label that was swallowed through his slide which he uses to mix up vocals. After some impromptu medical attention, several hard slaps on the back from punters and a rather worried management saw Sid jump up, pause, then continue with showering the crowd with vibrant energy.
The crowd slowly filled to near capacity for Carus. Opening with "Grow to Overthrow" the crowd was immeadiately jumping, with a skanking Carus doing his thing. Working through his set, "aint no crime" was a crowd favourite. Carus is slowly building an extremely loyal fanbase that most artists never seem to achieve. This always makes for an interesting show, not just in Victoria but all throughout Australia.
During Kurt Cobain, dedicated to the late visionary one fan kneeled humbly to take in the peaceful moment. During the show Carus unplugged his guitar, to lead the crowd into silence. He then continued with a stirring version of Rundown Garden with the crowd completely silent. A fan joined Carus onstage with the cowbell, but being visibly affected by alcohol he kept well in time much to Carus's suprise and delight. The few rockout punters that were at the show were a surprise, wanting to dance and jump.
The encore of the show saw The Vasco Era join the cowbell fan and Carus onstage for a skanky song. Overall a great show. Expect Carus to be a big thing in 2005.

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