As a child of the ’80s, Pseudo Echo and 1927 are two local bands I’ve always enjoyed. I saw Pseudo Echo supporting Culture Club in the ‘90s, but it’s been an awfully long time between drinks. Timing always seemed to be against me when it came to catching 1927, but the stars aligned when both ’80s powerhouses graced the Entrance Leagues Club last Friday night.
The first thing that struck me when Pseudo Echo took the stage was how much the line-up has changed. Lead singer Brian Canham is still out front, but his band mates are much younger these days. I couldn’t help but think of Anthony Field, and the way he is still waving the Wiggles flag yet looking a little out of place in his merry band of skivvy wearers. There’s a similar strangeness about the way this band is put together these days. Yet despite that, Brian still clearly believes in what he does. He delivers Pseudo Echo’s back catalogue with passion that is so infectious. I found myself remembering songs I hadn’t listened to in years like “A Beat for You” and “Listening,” singing along with lyrics that were buried somewhere deep in my brain. Covers of “Nutbush City Limits” and “Send Me An Angel” delivered more of the nostalgia the crowd was desperate for. I don’t think there was a person standing still when the band broke into “Funky Town.”
Pseudo Echo got my feet moving, but 1927 moved my heart. It doesn’t seem so long ago that I was swooning over Eric Weideman as I watched Rage in the morning. Watching their set took me right back. It seems Eric is the last man standing in 1927 too, but the line-up he’s assembled feels a bit more cohesive. They’re so tight, a real band rather than just players supporting a singer. Their set felt less like revelling in nostalgia and more like just catching up with a band still in the height of their fame. Perhaps the difference is the songs, which don’t sound nearly as dated as Pseudo’s synth-heavy numbers. Lyrically, 1927 has always had a bit more depth too. I felt myself getting choked up singing along with the crowd on tracks like “Compulsory Hero” and “If I Could.” I’d forgotten how much I loved “Tell Me a Story” and “You’ll Never Know.”
I entered the Entrance League Club thrilled to see both bands, but it was 1927 that really impressed me. Pseudo Echo were fun, but I don’t think I’ll rush to see them again. 1927 though … the next tour can’t come quickly enough.
Pseudo Echo and 1927 are still touring around the country together. You can catch them at their remaining shows.
5 August 2017 – The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
11 August 2017 – Harvey Road Tavern, Clinton
12 August 2017 – Dalrymple Hotel, Garrett
18 August 2017 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
19 August 2017 – Wenty Leagues, Wentworthville
25 August 2017 – Wrest Point Casino, Hobart
26 August 2017 – Country Club, Launceston
Image source: own photos