polaroids of androids

You Am I @ Deus Ex Machina - 11/09/2008

"Play Berlin Chair yer cunts"

Because of a (previously discussed) mid 90's hip-hop obsession I kinda missed You Am I the first time around. When I finally caught up I basically creamed my jeans for about a month (with some small time to rest) over the awesomeness of Berlin Chair. It's pretty safe to say that it's the best song the group will ever produce AND also probably ranks in the top 5 Australian rock songs of all time - alongside Face Fuckers Unite For Aids by Dead China Doll, The Legs by Tucker B's and everything The Thaw have ever recorded.

Due to the fact that this was an INVITE ONLY launch party for their latest record Dilettantes (which is in stores now) the group only played tracks from the new album. As much as the crowd (read: me and my 'collective') jeered for them to come out and play Berlin Chair as a special encore treat - they didn't oblige.

"You're a good looking man Tim"

There is little doubt that the group's longevity in the Australian music 'biz-ness' is due to the fact that Sir Tim Rogers is a charismatic and incredibly sexy frontman. He oozes sex appeal. Each bead of sweat that drips from his body during a performance is 98% pure HOT sex. I would switch over to the other side for him in a fraction of a heart beat.

"Fuck I love my job"

Because it was one of 'those' FREE FUCKING BOOOOOZE events people were kinda distracted during the show. There was very little interaction between the band and those in attendance, except for the occasional compliment of Rogers' sexiness and/or the band introducing a song.

The crowd was a strange mix of die hard fans (contest winners?), homeless people who survive merely on the food and drinks at these type of events and newly hired record label jocks highfivin' each other.

It was crowded as hell also. And hot. Or maybe that was just me, flustered over Rogers' sexiness.

"How fucking awesome was that last song?"

There were flickers of brilliance in the performance and it's obvious the group have returned their focus on building the songs around Rogers' fantastic songwriting ability. There also seems to be an abundance of different sounds and ideas on the record - which is in complete contrast to their last offering, Convicts, where they sounded a lot like a band that was fresh out of ideas.

It's impossible to strike judgement (positive or DAMNING) on the group's new material from a single live serving, especially when cramped up in the corner of a motorcycle shop/cafe. One thing I did take away from their performance, however, is that they are still a band with plenty of fuel in the tank. Your sneering 'has been' remarks will have to be put on hold for a little while longer.