Back in fine three-piece form – Ben Ely (bass, vocals), Quan Yeomans (guitar, vocals) and Peter Kostic (drums) – delivered a solid and energetic set to a full house at Sydney’s Manning Bar on Saturday night.
Ely lifted his guitar high and played it vertical for the interlude of I Love Tommy Mottola. Three songs in, the Brisbane rockers were already singing about Rubbish, searing into Everyday, Yeomans finished by professing his love for Sydney. “Sydney’s always been so kind to Regurgitator we love it here,” he declared.
Although the set was mainly a trip down memory lane they did play some newer tracks. Blood and Spunk and Miranda July were the most noted for the zany digitalized images that strobed the back-drop screen as well as Ely’s swift Jack-in-the-box bounces that had audience members endeavouring in vain to get as much air.
Crowd favourite Polyester Girl inspired even the most deep voiced audience member to take on a whiney holler. Yeomans and Ely crowded Kostic and watched as sweat propelled from his face onto his drum kit with every reverberating hit.
Sydney was treated to Don’t Go To Sleep which the band hadn’t played here in over 10 years and tracks like Pop Porn, My Friend Robot and The Drop showed the singer’s hip hop capabilities. “Best of luck forever,” said Ely before Kong Foo Sing. This track showcased the boys synth table skills which they played with comic exaggeration.
Ely and Yeomans returned to stage in wrestling masks for the encore, while Kostic donned a poorly brushed green wig. Halfway through Bong In My Eye, Ely lost his momentum and stopped. “I think maybe we’re too stoned to play this one,” laughed Yeomans. However, redemption was theirs for final track The Song Formally Known As. Both support acts joined them onstage, and we joined in for the sing-a-long.
Judging by the sweat stained masses making their way to the bar after the set, The Gurge have proven they still have just as much avidity as they did in 1997 with Unit.
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