Live Review: British India, Abstract Classic, Lakoda Burn

Kicking off the night's proceedings is Lakoda Burn. The Wollongong locals warmed up the chilly evening with some decent rock tunes. The local rock scene has always offered good quality bands, and these guys are definitely proof of that.

After a brief interlude Abstract Classic exploded onto the stage. Boasting a dynamic, Arctic Monkeys-esque vibe, they consistently pumped out songs that had the swelling crowd bopping along. Closing out their set was a solid cover of Spanish Sahara by Foals, and if everyone wasn't pumped already, that cover definitely sealed the deal.

Finally arriving on stage, British India turned it up to eleven from the get-go. Opening with March Into The Ocean and instant party starter This Dance Is Loaded, the band worked the crowd into an epic frenzy. Their easy going, yet hard rocking charm was infectious. A great mix of songs were played from the band's back catalogue, with newbies like Plastic Souvenirs and Blinded standing up well alongside British India classics like Tie Up My Hands and Run The Red Light. Current single Summer Forgive Me made for a rowdy night in the Gong, as all manner of shoes and toilet paper were tossed back and forth across the room, which was cheekily instigated by the boys from Abstract Classic behind the stage.

Living up to their reputation, British India was incredibly energetic, playing fast and tight, only stopping to swig some beer. Wearing jeans and a smelly old jumper, front man Declan Melia had the vibe of a house party host, singing and dancing with all of his guests. When dared to skull his beer on stage, Melia jokingly replied “I'm from Melbourne, I only skull red wine and cappuccinos” and gave it to an eager fan to skull instead.

Vanilla and recent Hottest 100 entrant I Can Make You Love Me followed and were both received with much enthusiasm, the latter of which was a real show stopper as the final chorus had everyone singing along. Closing out the show with This Ain't No Fucking Disco, the band roused the crowd for one more bout of controlled chaos before calling it a night. British India's return to Wollongong was indeed a triumph.