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Powderfinger, Cruel Sea, Rumanastone, 15/11/98 @the Metro My first legal over 18s gig was going to be a blast. The Cruel Sea, a band every man and his dog reckon's I'll love, and Powderfinger, whose new album I can't stop giving the Daryl Somers wrap to (its bloody great). So with high hopes and a Metro stamp on my wrist, I prepared myself to be blown away. First up was Rumanastone. The singer/guitarist has been rude to me on several occasions at Utopia so I hate him, and be default his band. Sorry. Its deep and personal. They were the PCM wildcards, the lucky band that got a great slot to show off to visting delegates. With them out of the way, the, as Bernie later put it, "Pull Chicks More Convention" put its pedal to the metal. The Cruel Sea began with an instrumental piece. Tex played a weird flute/keyboard device. This was the first time I've ever seen the much loved Cruel Sea live (TV doesn't count). They played their hearts out but the rhythm was often lost betwwen songs, with long breaks. But during songs, all eyes were on Tex. He even gave one of the best lines of the night, "This song's about finding that special someone you've been looking for all your life and saying...you'll do." They played strongly, rocked the meager Metro and even returned for a brief encore, but they were always going to be overshadowed. I must say that tonight Powderfinger were not at their best, but even that could not stop them putting on a killer show. Belting through a set of mainly the "rock" stuff off their new (and did I mention great?) album. And they were fantastic live. All the little details, the guitar noises and the like, gave them the layered sound live. Keyboards were used well by Bernie, Darren AND Ian in various tunes. Lets not forget the compulsory "He's name is Ray Martin and he can go get fucked." The thing that makes Powderfinger great live in my mind is how much they're enjoying the gig. Drummer John Coghill is great to watch, even offering to sing DAF, belted out a line and then left it to the expert. The expert, Bernie, is a great vocalist although I've seen him better than tonight. The chorus's of Day You Come and Already Gone really show off his great voice. Is it me, or does Bernie look awkward with a guitar strapped on? One little thing that got to me was how the Internationalist songs were grouped at the beginning, implying perhaps the Double Allergic tracks are stronger. And why must they end the gig with Pick You Up? But those a rather small things to complain about in such a great show. I must mention the lights too, which were used to great effect. Well, my over 18s gig career had a great start. I can't wait to see Powderfinger again this November.
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