Didn't know anything about these guys, but wasn't doing anything tonight[*] so went along with Nenad and crew. They were pretty good - a rock band with an electronic edge, groove-heavy and jagged with the guitars, and a singer who, vocally, had more than a hint of the Ian Curtis to him. Reminded me of the sound of a lot of the tracks on the Tales from the Australian Underground 2 x cd from the 70s and 80s. Quality songs, too - the type that grab on first listen.
Plus, Black Cab are obviously true believers in rock 'n' roll while also seemingly aware of its darker side - video footage from Woodstock (I think) was projected onto a screen behind the band for the whole set (apparently their first album was based on the concept of the Stones' Altamont show - the one with the Hells Angels stabbing). Plus [#2], they were introduced and their set interspersed with ramblings by a worn old fella - Sam Cutler - who, in his day, road managed the Rolling Stones, the Band, the Grateful Dead and others, and is now serving the same function for Black Cab. I must admit, seeing him on stage telling stories about Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia, with that concert footage rolling on behind him and the slow jam of the band in the background, made an impression - reminded me of the promise and the dream of rock 'n' roll - it's so easy to become cynical about the whole thing (and I am), but there is another side, too, even if it really seems as if that was another time as well.
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[*] Sat night.
