The Underground Lovers continued celebrations on Sunday night, following Thursday’s opening festivities for the iconic Richmond venue’s 30th year as a dedicated live music venue. There was a second anniversary to mark, too; 30 years since the release of the band’s fourth studio album Rushall Station. The Undies close week one of six weeks of celebration featuring a multitude of local bands.
This early evening show saw Underground Lovers take the stage around 5.45 pm to a capacity crowd. Slower paced opener “All Brand New,” gently lulls the audience into submission, setting a dreamy and unhurried tone for what follows. “We’ve been hibernating; It was sunny outside,” exclaims frontman Vince Giarrusso. “Takes You Back,” follows with Giarrusso dancing and singing to his heart’s content, his warmth and charm endearing him to us all.
Joined by original drummer Derek Johnny Yuen on percussion, founding member Glenn Bennie on guitar, Maurice Argino on bass, Matthew Sigley on keys, Mat Watson on drums Zoe Barry on cello, and Sooji Kim on violin.
The wall of guitar feedback during “In My Head,” punctuates the song. It’s one of many highlights during the set. Roaming trumpet player Jack Howard ( of the Hunters and Collectors) joins the Undies for “On and On and On and On,” its wondrous refrain reverberating throughout the venue and our hearts.
“This next song’s depressing,” confesses Giarrusso whilst introducing “Rushall Station.” Which was inspired by the said train station near his home.
After drawing from the album, the band launches into a series of hits, including the potent and ethereal “Your Eyes” and “I Was Right,” before closing the set with a soaring rendition of “Starsigns.”
Thirty years on, Underground Lovers continue to deliver a sound that is both atmospheric and emotionally resonant, proving that Rushall Station has lost none of its allure.
Setlist
Takes You Back
In My Head
On And On And On And On
Rushall Station
Descending For Now
Undone
Ways To Burn
Cold Feeling
Losin’ It
Your Eyes
I Was Right
Starsigns (Encore)
