So it's friday night, and myself and 7 friends are climbing out of a taxi at the Mapleton Tavern, talking about how much we're going to win on the pokies, and whether Jack Daniels is really better than Jim Beam. As we amble up the stairs towards the bar, I'm suddenly greeted by a wall of colour that resembles a whole bunch of highlighters having an orgy - The Floating Bridges are in the house.

I head straight to the bar to grab a refreshing glass of ale, as the opening act gets underway. Adrian Herd is a friend of the bridges boys, and he kicks the night off with a few acoustic covers. This guy has an amazing voice, and has everyone in silence as he sings his heart out.

Before the Bridges hit the stage, Cale and James inform me that they'll be busting out a few covers tonight, as they have to play for about 3 hours. First cab off the rank, is Ben Harper's "Steal my kisses". This gets the entire pub out onto the deck and moving. They chuck in all the good pub covers, the highlight being "Angel" by Shaggy which they link into Steve Miller's "Space cowboy" (much to the delight of the crowd).

When they kick into their original set, it is evident that these guys really are one of the hardest working bands on the coast. They have only been together for 6 months, but songs like "Can we, shall we", and "Bluestown", show that they are a band on the rise. "Colours of the World" has everyone doing their best Rasta dance, with its awesome reggae vibe. They dedicate a song to one of their good mates who passed away recently, and it is evident that many of the crowd also knew him, as the singalong in the chorus, has many in tears.

Highlight of the night for me would have be everyone yelling along with "Home" - "I need a place to lay my weary head..." kinda describing how I feel after the tequila shots I just downed.

I stagger off inside to throw money at the pokies after they finish up, and the general conversation between everyone seems to be "How good was that band/what was that last song called/did you see Nikki eye-fucking the singer". It is quite evident that everyone here had a great night - and rightly so - The Floating bridges sure know how to turn a gig into a party.

Look out for them at a venue near you.

 

R.N.