It was 50 degrees on the ground. Smoke from nearby bushfires drifted through the trees, tangling with the clouds of dirt being whipped up by hot northerly winds. People were lying on hot dirt dripping hot water on their hot faces, willing their overheated bodies to cool down. Boiling air blew into ears, eyes and orifices. Like smoking cigarettes made of bus fumes. Into the Meredith Amphitheatre stepped
The Drones. To face a crowd staring directly into an apocalyptic red sun, unsheltered and close to faculty shutdown. Most bands arriving at the venue would've burst into flames just climbing the stairs to the stage. Instead The Drones leaned down over the crowd barrier and wilting security, prised open our skulls, and poured in some nice hot tea. With a dash of tabasco. Then they clapped them shut, unbuttoned their shirts while nodding to their new guitarist, and melted our faces off from the inside out. It was pretty good.
The Drones are so good that when they tour the country they play just one show. And everyone comes. So when they launch their new
All Tomorrow's Parties sanctioned
Custom Made 7-inch, they'll be driving up the road to the
East Brunswick Club in Melbourne. It happens on May 14th. Or "The Drones Day". Locals will gather their children in the street to watch them pass and throw confetti. The video store over the road will have a "The Drones are playing" special night, where you get
Leaving Las Vegas, The Deerhunter and
The Proposition all half-price. The bottle shop will be free and stalls selling chorizo, balloons and sangria will line the footpaths. It will be alright.
Pic: www.thedrones.com.au