Photo: Kristen Ashton

In contrast with the generation of bands dominating their genre, Brand New have managed to maintain a low profile, and a large following. Tonight’s show is sold out, the scene outside the Tivoli is overwhelming, a wall of ticket-holders, stretching three blocks down the road. To make matters worse it’s below freezing, no one has any clue what’s going on, and with no staff around, the excited crowd is fast turning into a frustrated mob. Finally inside the venue, but with an hour to kill before the first act, the waiting game continues.

Eventually Brisbane ensemble The Paper & The Plane arrive onstage. They’re flawless, delivering a breathtaking set sending shivers down the spines of the entranced crowd. With heart wrenching tracks All That I Had and My Dreams the pick of the bunch.

Brand New make their dramatic entrance with an extended version of Tatou, greeted by an uproar of cheers. The first half of the set has the crowd singing along with such energy that Jesse Lacey’s voice is almost drowned out. Playing crowd favourites, from all three albums, including Okay I Believe You But My Tommy Gun Don’t, The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows, Jesus and Limousine.

At one point Lacey takes to playing the guitar with his teeth. Brand New have been criticised as self-indulgent, and unfortunately the second half proved a disappointing display of over extravagance. Saturated with acoustic songs, turning the Brand New gig into the Jesse Lacey show - cause enough for some of the audience to leave. I guess they were wrong to assume, I know that you’re a sucker for anything acoustic.

MICHELLE GILLINGWATER

Comments (5)

1. Written by emliner, on 22-06-2007 13:04 , IP: 220.245.178.136

3. Written by Jimy, on 02-07-2007 21:57 , IP: 58.174.1.13 Are you sure you were at the same show man? The first half was sweet but you have to admit the second was a bit dubious? sharpen your pencil buddy just cos you like the band doesn't mean every show is going to be right on it

4. Written by R.J., on 09-07-2007 23:45 , IP: 124.171.217.146 jimmy thats exactly what he said, that the second half was dissapointing, which i personally don't agree with but i understand where he is coming from.. I would, however, have been supprised if people actually did leave during the show. Surely that part's an exaduration (Unless of course they were leaveing because they had already passed out in the mosh which i witnessed three times right infront of me ).. And just last of all I'm fairly certain I didn't hear The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows or was i not paying attention for that part. Personally I thought alot of the show but there was a lack of old stuff especially Seventy Times 7 which the crowd chanted for after every song finnished. Welcome to Bangkok was insane!

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