78 Saab
» 78 Saab - Ruby's Lounge and Bar, Vic - September 1, 2005
A Saturday night at the Rosemount usually means a quality night of great live music and tonight would be no different.
I arrived fairly early and was greeted by the usual early bird crowd that consisted of people who where dedicated to get in as many drinks before closing and the friends of the opening act.
It’s never easy getting the spot of first on the bill for a gig. Most of the time there is a mere trickle of people wandering through the door and you have to try really hard to prove that you have more to offer than the pool table at the back of the pub. It was a challenge however that The Fault where up to.
While there were only a few people lined up around the bar they still managed to create a great vibe in the venue and set the tone of the night.
The banter with friends in the crowd between songs added to the laid back feel of the night. They pulled off a set that was full of energy and confidence.
Next up where The Panda Band who have been making a name for themselves ever since they where named Rolling Stones “top band to watch for 2005.”
The venue was starting to fill up a bit more compared to The Fault’s set and The Panda band managed to get the crowd swaying.
From start to finish the band played a solid set and had the whole crowd cheering for more as they left the stage.
Finally 78 Saab to took to the stage and they didn’t waste anytime picking up their instruments and jumping straight into Sunshine.
The crowd was fairly reluctant to move forward and fill up the area in front of the stage at first and with the venue at probably just over half capacity there was plenty of room for people to hang back.
The small crowd size didn’t seem to bother the band however and they took control of the situation and engaged the crowd which gave the show a more personal feel.
By the time the band had entered into their third song of the set, Beat of Your Drum, the crowd had gathered around the stage and where showing what it lacked in size it made up for in spirit.
After this 78 Saab played a perfect set. From the mellow sounds of No Illusions to completely rocking out on set closers The City Is Humming and Come On.
From start to finish they band showed great energy with keyboardist Jake dancing away at the back of the stage, inspiring people to do the same.
The crowd all kept screaming for one more song, with everyone sounding like they had a personal favourite they still wanted to hear and the band took to the stage for one more.
They performed a flawless Neil Young cover of Rockin’ in the Free World which for me was the highlight of the evening and had the whole crowd singing and dancing along.
My only complaint for the night would be the vocals sometimes didn’t seem to cut through the mix as well as they should and the band had to ask on several occasions between songs for the vocals to be turned up.
If you are like me and thought 78 Saab’s last album, Crossed Lines, felt like it was missing something do yourself and favour, check them out live and it may just change your mind.
Set List
Sunshine
Cops
All At Sea
We All Get By
You And Your Friends
Saviour
Beat of Your Drum
Lean on In
So Messed Up
No Illusions
All A Lie
Drive
Come On
The City Is Humming
Encore – Rockin’ in the Free World
