Photo: Matt Palmer

I’ve resisted long and hard, but goddamnit, Yves Klein Blue have gotten a lot better in 12 months. They initially plug in before a few dozen half-interested punters; soon, the crowd’s attention is amplified into triple figures. Well-constructed indie pop tunes like Digital Love and Christmas Beetle shine like a warm beacon on a night that’s sub-zero by Queensland standards. Most importantly, the band remain humble and appreciative of the attention and adulation that’s been heaped upon them. Support slot whores they may be, but for how much longer?

After we all spend a few minutes watching taxpayers’ hard-earned explode in a frenzy of light and sound, one of Brisbane’s best-known live acts is introduced onstage by a local radio personality. The opportunity to play a rare all ages show isn’t lost on Regurgitator, who waste no time in delivering impromptu anatomy lessons during I Will Lick Your Arsehole and I Sucked A Lot Of Cock To Get Where I Am. "Mummy, what’s an arsehole?"

While the four-piece energetically deliver tracks from latest album Love And Paranoia, including Blood And Spunk and Destroy This Town, they know why the hundreds-strong crowd has congregated here tonight. Appropriately, they play I Like Your Old Stuff Better Than Your New Stuff amongst Unit gems Black Bugs, Polyestergirl and Everyday Formula. A woman rushes past me to throw her underwear at keyboardist Seja Vogel, whose valuable input remains forward in the mix throughout the set. Their temporary drummer ably handles material from across their thirteen-year career; Stella Mozgawa has replaced Peter Kostic behind the kit for the latest run of shows, including the band’s recent tour in support of Devo. Gazing across the crowd during The Song Formerly Known As and closer Kong Foo Sing, it’s clear that few bands have the ability to unite music fans – from the dancing children and middle-aged women, to the grinning dude shamelessly strumming his air guitar.

ANDREW MCMILLEN

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