Live Review: The Cairos Last Brisbane Show @ The Foundry

The Cairos have been a Brisbane stalwart since 2007. I remember skipping school to see them play in the basement of Rocking Horse. I remember writing one of my first album reviews about them when they supported The Holidays at The Zoo. I will most certainly remember their last ever show at The Foundry. A night that was originally planned to celebrate a single release took a nostalgic turn as the four piece called it quits to go retire on a beach somewhere (probably).

The night began quite jubilant with many Brisbane bands and fans alike coming out in their droves to support one of their soon to be fallen brethren. Dream pop quartet OK Badlands got the ball rolling, enticing the crowds in with their luxurious brand of synth dominated tunes. Guiding the audience through some relaxed head bobbing Ok Badlands didn’t retreat from the stage before paying honour to the band of the evening.

“Slamming through Row Of Homes and Desire you really started to get a sense of how unique The Cairos really are, swinging from grungy rock to melodic indie pop in a matter of minutes.”

Strutting on stage confidently to the meme of the minute (Shannon Noll’s seminal classic ‘What About Me’) The Cairos looked right at home up on The Foundry stage. At ease and ready to impress the crowd that obviously adored them so much, the band wasted no time getting stuck into their tried and tested hits. Slamming through Row Of Homes and Desire you really started to get a sense of how unique The Cairos really are, swinging from grungy rock to melodic indie pop in a matter of minutes.

Pausing for a couple of minutes to address the capacity crowd, lead singer Alastair Richardson regaled the people with tales of baby The Carios and them sneaking into The Elephant to play underage. There really is nothing like teenage rebellion to rally a crowd. A smooth segway into new material proved quite bittersweet and it was obvious to see all the potential Cairo bangers that we might never get to hear. Leaning towards a more tropical vibe the new songs certainly proved danceable as the floor began to explode with waving arms.

Most recognizable single Shame with that oh-so-catchy slacker rock riff provided a dynamic mid point in the set as the audience lost their freaking nut screaming the chorus along with Richardson. The little twinkle in the bands eye over having the crowd sing their own song back to them became more prominent when you realised that this was one of the last times it was ever going to happen. Another bittersweet moment that truly felt like the beginning of a swan song.

“Raucous, catchy, and a total joy to behold Obsession sang The Cairos out and when that last note was played the room was filled with applause and whistling.”

After some childhood friend cameos and a multitude of different, mildly intoxicated Tamborine players it was time for the night to wind to an end. An out of tune guitar provided the perfect opportunity for the boys to say something sentimental about their time in the band. Love was projected, memories were shared, and thanks were giving before The Cairos launched into what would be their last song, Obsession. Raucous, catchy, and a total joy to behold Obsession sang The Cairos out and when that last note was played the room was filled with applause and whistling. Humbly taking a bow and leaving the stage the applause stayed long after the band was gone.

A stunning end to a stunning band, all we here at AAA Backstage have to say is goodnight, sweet princes, thank you for all you’ve done for Brisbane music.