British India Gig Review

Following the much-anticipated release of ‘Nothing Touches Me’, British
India’s fifth album, the band graced The Governor Hindmarsh to prove they
just keep getting better. Those lucky enough to grab a ticket before it sold
out were there to welcome the band with cans of VB and wide arms.

Three-piece band, Horror My Friend, emerged with enough stamina to fuel
the rest of the night. Receiving minimal encouragement from the crowd did
not deter the Adelaide boys from playing a set so energetic it left me
puffing just watching. Raw vocals combined with thick guitar chords feature
on their new single, Mazes, for an urgent indie-rock sound. A solid bass
lead the band in most songs, seamlessly melding with the drums. The
bands 90s grunge style music got heavier and louder as the set continued,
adding to the anticipation and a certain urgency in the audience.

The Grenadiers took to the stage oozing with confidence, instantly diving
into their face-paced set. Volume. Volume. Volume. Good Advice produced
the loudest response from crowd members, and for those who hate their 9
to 5 job, Factotum, which encouraged a communal chorus of ‘I wanna take
this fucking job and shove it where it belongs’. The wicked strumming and
drum smashing never ceased; a set that had no time for rest. Brief (so brief
they were hardly noticeable) pauses were an effective contrast before the
band burst back into Australian rock riffs. Their succinct and tight unity was
satisfying to hear.

British India jumped onstage with a casualty that only comes from
experience, and began with Wrong Direction to ensure excitement levels
were at maximum capacity. Unfazed by the horde of people climbing on
stage for their 5 seconds of fame, the band proved it a bad idea to wear a
beanie while on stage. Declan Melia’s pared-down vocals harmonising with
Nic Wilson’s passionate finger work on the guitar turned the mosh into a
mad frenzy that lasted all night.

Melia’s constant connection and conversation with the crowd
demonstrated the band’s appreciation and love for their fans. He
continuously asked the audience for song requests, and received a
concoction of song titles in reply. Although ‘Nothing Touches Me Album Launch’ was the title of the tour, British India managed to play tracks from
each memorable album. Older songs including Run the Red Light, Vanilla
(dedicated to Horror My Friend), I Can Make You Love Me and Outside 109
satisfied a yearning for the old classics. Each song individually highlighted
their sophisticated lyrics, instrumental layering and carefully constructed
atmospherics.

Run the Red Light featured slick (and almost sleazy) guitar riffs and turned
into a ravenous strumming and pounding of instruments. The band played
as many songs as they could squeeze into the allocated time with Black and
White Radio ending the gig on a high note, leaving Wilson to salute himself
off stage.

The band’s ease and natural demeanour on stage reflected the multitude of
gigs in their past. After 10 years, they still project a passion that makes it is
easy to understand how they have been so continuously successfully. British
India are reason alone to value the Australian music industry.