Stereolab, Full Fathom Five, Pony Loaf: the zoo – Saturday 23/03/02

First things First, some Stereolab Q and A. Some people refer to Stereolab as kraut rock, are they really? Well, kind of, they’re more of a modern day Serge Gainsbourg experimental electro pop band with a twist of cabbage. Ahh, and they’re French huh? This is a bit of a contentious issue. Laetitia Sadier is French, as is former member Morgane Lhote. It’s probably best to think of them as a multinational based in London. OK, but they are that band from High Fidelity right? Ok, that’s it, no more questions.

Pony Loaf takes to the stage just before nine and set about proving that it’s sometimes worth turning up early to see a relatively unknown support. Featuring the crazy-man mannerisms and self-depreciative between song banter of Shane Rudken (regurgitator/emporium), Pony Loaf rock with beat and break. Shane, it’s ok, you do good work.

With the demise of Savage Garden, it may well be time for Full Fathom Five to fill their shoes as Brisbane’s favorite sons. Never failing to dish up a dublicious smorgasbord of grooves, FF5 treat the room to another solid set.

George Dubya Bush lends a vocal sample to the new track ‘Axis of Evil’ and it’s good to hear him finally doing something constructive. More familiar tracks from the album (07) Seven such as the new single ‘Five Minutes From Machine’ and earlier single ‘Anxiety’* get the warmest reception from the near capacity crowd.

The sense of anticipation across the room builds to an almost palpable level before the six piece touring ensemble of Stereolab take their positions on stage. Opening track ‘Come and Play in the Milky Night’ sets a glorious level of upbeat intensity. Hometown girl Mary Hansen promises a mix of new and old material and we’re treated to a decent selection from last year’s Sound-Dust and a good mix of older tracks.

For all their subtlety and technical appeal on disc, songs such as ‘Les Yper Sound’ and especially ‘Captain Easychord’ really come into their own when performed live. This is largely thanks to the often-understated guitar work of co-founder Tim Ganes. In a “don’t-stop-a-rockin? kind of way, Tim doesn’t stop shaking his head from side to side for most of the night.

I’m a little surprised when there is not more of a reaction to Mary asking if people knew Papa M as she recounts seeing him the last time she was a punter at the zoo. I “woo!? and immediately feel stupid.

Songs from Emperor Tomato Ketchup and Cobra & Phases Group Play Voltage In The Milky Sky round out the night but it’s nice to see older tracks such as ‘Ping Pong’ and crowd favourite ‘French Disko’* that makes an appearance in the first encore. House lights go up and just as we’re talking ourselves into letting go, the group returns to deliver a one song second encore in the form of ‘Rainbo Conversation’.

Last but not least, a little debriefing. Oh my god, so that was Stereolab? Oh my god, yes it was. Wow. Yes, wow.