The Fumes / Hancock Basement

On a breezy and brisk Thursday evening, prominent Sydney blues rock duo The Fumes blew into the nation's capital for an electrifying and raw set at ANU Bar. This time around the boys had the opportunity to play to a mixed bunch of punters comprised of loyal diehard fans (who had the hairy beards and raggy clothes to even rival frontman Steve Merry himself), to a casually dressed bunch that inhaled the greatness of The Fumes from a safe distance.

Once again Canberra's premier support band Hancock Basement were on call to do what they do best - energise and enthuse the crowd just enough to leave them exhilarated, but still with enough excitement left for the headline act. This time, however, their unique spell didn't work quite as well as it usually does, with the majority of punters choosing instead to hang around the bar and pool tables, conserving their energy for the headliners for most of their set. It was a bit of shame for frontman Nick Craven and drummer Tom Spira as this show coincided with their birthdays.

This show was in the middle of The Fumes' extensive Sundancer national tour, in support of their recent LP of the same name, but luckily they'd had a few days rest to fully prepare themselves to deliver a rockiest of rock experience for their Canberra show. On this note the layout of the stage was interestingly designed as frontman Steve was rocking out on the left of stage and drummer Joel thumped away on the drums on the right of the stage, instead of at the back of stage where most drummers are usually located.

It is truly remarkable how only two guys can produce such a unique blend of bluesy-roots-rock and make it seem so easy. This notion alone still dazzles and delights fans, so The Fumes weren't really required to energise or enthuse the crowd as they moshed and banged their heads to all the hits including Python For A Pillow, Automobile and Who Do You Love.

After pumping out two albums worth of hits, it was hard to tell when their set was going to end as Joel walked off and had a breather while Steve pulled out a slow bluesy number. But a few minutes later Joel was back onstage as they transcended into a hard rock number again.

When they said goodnight and walked off, it was inevitable from the roar of the crowd an encore was coming. The curtain finally came down after all the rock juice had flowed out of the band and fans alike, at which point there was nothing left to give.