Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse - Wed Jan 14

For the most part, signs are no more than a minor obstacle to my busy day – something that can be quickly ignored and moved beyond. Please Wash Hands? Meh. No Left Turn? I’ll think about it. But when the Brisbane Powerhouse suggests that you wear earplugs before entering the theatre for a Michael Gira show, I really should take heed. I’ll admit, I know little to nothing of his work, but the man knows how to make a strong first impression. A stark spotlight envelops the road-weary Gira, sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar, his battered cowboy hat resting on a guitar stand. Sure, let’s start the set with two unrecorded, possibly unheard songs, why the hell not? Of course, the tactic works, as those who are in attendance lap up every sweat-stained lyric and rudimentary chord pattern. Except the brave few that leave within 15 minutes, and who continue to vex me … what did they really expect tonight? Some softly-spoken troubadour, telling tales of lost love with delicate fingerpicking? More like the most gutturally apocalyptic garage punk show you’ve seen in a long time, except Gira forgot to invite the other band members. A guitar engulfed in crackling feedback, rapidly shifting out of tune as he howls and yelps like a strung-out hobo, those earplugs would come in handy right now. Still, it’s an intense and memorable performance from a man who treats the committed with respect, and the dissenters with hilarious barbs.

MITCH ALEXANDER

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