Custard, The Fauves, The Stress Of Leisure @ The Gov, Adelaide 16/11/2024
Ah, Custard. The name alone evokes a sense of sweet nostalgia for Aussie music fans. In support of new album Suburban Curtains, the Open the Curtains tour has served a creamy, hilarious, and delightful musical feast over Australia.
On one of those rare nights where Tarntanya/ Adelaide had -TOO-MANY-GIGS- to choose from (is that a thing?), the cool kids knew The Gov was the place to be. Custard with The Fauves and The Stress of Leisure – much better than watching cars drive around and around and around all day.
From the moment the band hit the stage, it was clear that they were still as tight, funny, and sharp as they were in their heyday. New cuts Someday, Never Loved Melbourne, Heart Attacks, Love Tax, I Love You FNQ, and No Pay No Delicious demonstrated they haven’t lost their ability to combine cynicism with catchy melodies.
Custard has mastered the art of performance that feels both nostalgic and fresh, with frontman Dave McCormack still delivering his absurdist lyrics with a wink and a smile. The mammoth setlist also covered all the fan favourites, alongside a few surprises. Because nothing says “we still got it” like pulling a deep cut out of the bag. Hello Pinball Lez, for the delightful Bluey crossover.
Hit Song and Pack Yr Suitcases, with Pascalle Burton (The Stress of Leisure) on keys, were early bursts of pleasure. Couple’s Fight, a guitar-shredding extravaganza. Singlette, the lower-paced Jim Henson homage, was an ideal lead into The New Matthew, which turned into a memorable pub choir moment.
Taking frontman duties for Suburban Curtains’ cuts Black Rinse, Coat of Paint and Molecules Colliding, Glenn Thompson was outstanding. His rendition of Music is Crap, with Jessica Moore on drums (The Stress of Leisure), was undoubtedly a highlight.
McCormack returned to the mic for Girls Like That (Don’t Go for Guys Like Us) and Funky Again. By this stage, everyone was in the zone. The band’s signature humour was ever present as McCormack bantered with the crowd, cracking jokes that ranged from dry to bizarre. We laughed one moment, then punched the air to a blistering riff the next.
Alone and the quintessentially 90s-sounding Anatomically Correct, still as fresh and fantastic now as it was in 1997, wrapped up the main set. While blistering versions of Apartment and Ringo (I Feel Like), plus a spot of time travel, concluded an amazing show.
And if Custard weren’t enough to fill the night with joy, The Stress of Leisure and The Fauves’ opening sets made for, well…perfection.
Known for their blend of jangle pop and tongue-in-cheek commentary, The Fauves brought their brand of Aussie rock to the stage with infectious energy.
Their performance was punchy and amusing. They mixed new tracks Un-Australians, Tell Someone Who Gives a Fuck, Guitar Village and the wonderful If You Love Me, from the new album Tropical Strength, and classics with the same audacity that has defined their career. They were the ideal warm-up act—fun and irreverent.
Don’t Say When, Long Load, Going for My Blue Belt, Right Wing Fags, Nairobi Nights, Give Up Your Day Job, Medium Pacer, and Dogs Are the Best People were an enjoyable trip down memory lane.
The Fauves have a knack for making everyday situations feel epic. When you hear their playful rhythms and wry observations, it’s easy to see why they’ve remained a beloved fixture in the Australian music scene.
Overall, this tour reminds fans why Custard and The Fauves hold a special place in their hearts.
With The Fauves setting the tone and Custard delivering the goods, it was a night of brilliant live music and good times. Exactly what you would expect from these two legendary acts. With their signature blend of quirky indie rock, witty lyrics, and just the right amount of absurdity, they demonstrated they are not just a flash in the 90s pan.
Live Review By Anita Kertes