It’s been a while since we’ve seen energetic heroes BlueJuice shimmy into our capital, but on an exceptionally chilly Thursday night, word has gotten around because ANU Bar is packed to capacity, energy, bubbling.
Canberra band The Trivs kick off at 9pm, with some rusty mixing, but an overall good vibe and indie-rock tunes worthy of a head-bop. The crowd clearly just want to dance, and bounce along with commitment to our locals.
Second up, The Holidays, a little younger and much more energetic, blend up-tempo indie-pop rock and use an impressive array of percussion; bongos and more to give off a reggae undertone that’s so popular with indie bands at the moment (read Vampire Weekend). The set needs a little tightening but I’m pleased by the talent of these guys, despite their junior years.
It’s now pushing 11pm and it feels as though the crowd is ready to burst. There’s a girl throwing up on the deck out the front and the boys are getting rowdy. When punters eventually reconvene in front of the stage I notice how young (and drunk) the audience is tonight.
Lights come up, amps begin to buzz and BlueJuice finally emerge dressed in Karate costumes. The guys have obviously mobbed the Red Bull promo girls earlier in the evening, because they are buzzing; fly kicking, jumping on amps and ripping at their Karate jackets.
Eventually it’s mainly half-naked bodies in front of me and Jake Stone (Screaming, Backing Harmony Screams, Physical Theatre) and Stav Yiannoukas (Verse, Hooks and New Jack Swing) are jumping around like kids high on red cordial, covered in sweat.
They open with a 60’s vibe, psychedelic shapes flash behind them and catchy retro indie-pop pounds from the speakers. BlueJuice never seize to amaze me with how many musical genres they merge together, while still performing with cohesion. Tonight is no exception and we see hip-hop fused with indie-pop and fast-paced electro.
The energy is infectious and at one point Stone climbs onto a photographer’s shoulder, launching himself into the audience. Punters go wild, bouncing around and attempting to crowd surf towards him.
There is no denying that BlueJuice is a crowd lifter, and there isn’t a backside left stationary after Broken Leg. Triple J hit Vitriol also has the crowd roaring along.
If you plan to see BlueJuice live, my only advice is to make sure you’re in the right state of mind to enjoy the sheer intensity of it all. If not, you may find yourself overwhelmed and potentially crushed by the crowd.
