Photo: Justin Edwards

One suspects that seeing and hearing Ruby Tigers would be a bit more enjoyable experience if the Brisbane four piece spent less time in front of the mirror and a tad more working in the rehearsal room. Their performance is tight, and the lads appear to be able to pull off a decent instrumental section and an even better chorus, but too often Darren Schadel’s confident vocals remind me of textbook INXS-type alternarock: sleak and sexy but without much substance. And not even the glory days Michael Hutchence era INXS: I mean the recent cash-in with that Canadian with a stupid name that didn’t own a t-shirt.

Another local group of young upstarts, The Cairos are making leaps and bounds with their live shows, and tonight should be considered another step forward. The tapestry of guitar and bass lines are increasingly strident and powerful, allowing lead singer Alistar Richardson the space required for some high-reaching vocals. At the moment, they’re four teens who are huge fans of other people’s music, soon they should be able to take the next step and put some faith in their own songwriting ability. As much as he would be the band’s natural spokesperson, someone may need to tell Red Rider’s lead singer/guitarist Alexander Grigg to limit the between song banter. Sometimes it’s endearing, others it’s just bizarre. “This song is about how there are some things worse than dying,” he notes, as I ponder what comparative research he’s been able to do. You’ve Got A Lot Of Nerve, the cause for this tour, is an obvious crowd favourite, as is earlier Triple J staple My Love Is Stronger Than Your Love. The three close harmonies from the other members are well executed, but the band could benefit from some stage presence lessons. There may be worse things than dying, but they don’t include playing to a packed house in Brisbane on a Saturday night.

MITCH ALEXANDER 

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