British India Review

By Caitlin Pecset

Despite their name British India is not just another British indie band, they aren’t even from the UK. British India formed in Melbourne; the bands’ members went to high school together and so far they have surpassed all the normal expectations of garage band stardom. Especially when you consider that their debut album was nominated for Triple J’s J Award, they won AIR (Australian Independent Record Labels Association) award for 'Best New Independent Artist' and they have also strutted their stuff on stage at the various Big Day Out’s around the country this year. As if all of this hadn’t established their street cred with the indie kids; the band is currently recording a new alum while simultaneously touring the country. The little over achievers of indie music did not disappoint when they took to the stage at Unibar.

The rain, that was relentless, did nothing to dampen the spirits of the band or the enthusiasm of the crowd. Watt Riot and The Bungalows got quite a few people dancing, but it was British India that people had braved the monsoon for. It is something to do with the offbeat topics of songs blended with the “can’t get this tune out of my head” music that kept the crowd yelling for more. The band obliged, rolling out all of the favorite songs off the album ‘Guillotine’ as well as some new stuff. The song that got everyone on their feet doing the awkward indie bop was the beloved ‘Run the Red Light’ which is interesting not about traffic infringements but instead is about knocking up an underage girl. Or as Declan Melia, the singer, so aptly and disturbingly euphemised “it’s about a ballooning accident I once had”.

You would have to work very hard not to be won over by the awkward dorkiness that seems to be at the heart of this band. They haven’t been entirely wrapped up in their success, considering they still sell their own merch and seemed to take pleasure in meeting the fans after the show. On stage have the aura of ‘hardcore’ musicians but after closer inspection they are the kind of guys you could take home to meet your mother.

During the set it seemed as if all of the members of the band were genuinely enjoying themselves this mood rubbed off on the crowed who were left wanting more. British India is still touring and their second, as yet untitled, album will be released later this year.