Playing to sold out shows across Australia, it was Sydney’s turn last night to revel in the indie rock genius of lo-fi Californian rock legends Pavement, supported by an impressive performance by Melbourne band Floodlight.
Inside the Enmore Theatre we were transported straight back to the 90s, which for many in the crowd may have arguably been the best of times in their youth. Such is the appeal of this band, there were dedicated original fans, children of original fans and everyone in-between.
With all eyes on guitarist/vocalists Steve Malkamus and Scott Kannberg, the band seamlessly worked through 26 hits and hidden gems over two hours, from their acclaimed albums Slanted and Enchanted, Crooked Rain and Wowee Zowee. There were so many memorable moments but for me it was watching the fans in the audience singing loud and tunelessly to “Silence Kids”, “Gold Soundz”, “Harness your Hopes” and “Range Life” and of course, watching percussionist/vocalist Bob Nastanovich steal the show with his high voltage enthusiasm and energy.
Pavement were big, loud, slick and slack – which was just what we ordered. Finishing with an encore of “Cut Your Hair” and “Filmore Jive” it was the perfect end note for this wonderfully nostalgic show. As we fought our way through the ten deep crowd at the merch counter, I kept my precious signed palm tree poster close, this one is going straight to the pool room.
Pavement Setlist:
Motion Suggests Itself
Gold Soundz
Kennel District
Shoot The Singer
Silence Kid
Transport Is Arranged
Stereo
Grounded
Father To A Sister Of Thought
Shady Lane
Serpentine Pad
Harness Your Hopes
Spit On A Stranger
Unfair
Type Slowly
Perfume – V
Here
Trigger Cut
Debris Slide
The Hexx
Painted Soldiers
Range Life
Encore:
In The Mouth Of A Desert
Summer Babe
Cut Your Hair
Filmore Jive
Images: Peter Dovgan
Words: Cathi Margherita
