Craig Bloxom is the original bass-player and singer of iconic 80’s Australian band, Spy vs Spy (aka v. Spy v. Spy or SPY v SPY). His distinctive vocals and bass playing were (and still are) synonymous with the classic sound the band produced back in the 80’s and early 90’s.
Following a near 20 year hiatus, during which time he worked as a chef, he decided that it was time to give music another try. He felt that he didn’t want to just regurgitate the old Spy vs. Spy catalogue, but wanted to refresh it and make it exciting once more.
To this end, he gathered together some of his best mates (Chrissy Lowe ‘from Cessnock’ on drums, and Te Koi Tarawa on guitar) and began to re-work the old classics into ‘reggae-fied’ versions, a move not outrageously far removed from the somewhat off-beat sound the band had back in its’ heyday. This decision has brought new life to the old catalogue, and its’ effect on audiences was on full display during their gig at The Republic Bar here in North Hobart.
The performance by the band felt very personal. Much of the subject matter of the old songs was highly socially aware, and it was palpable that the gathered fans would still hold the subject matter dear, and be singing along to every word, with many of the lyrics remaining very relevant in a world teetering on the edge of wars, climate change, continuing racism and misogyny, cost-of-living pressures, poverty lines and the ever-present housing crisis.
Songs such as Hard Times, Trash The Planet, Credit Cards and Tear It Down resonated with the crowd while others such as Do What You Say (their first single) and Working Week provided great dance-along moments.
Set List:
One Of A Kind
Hard Times
Use Your Head
Do What You Say
Credit Cards
Harry’s Reasons
Dead Girls
Clarity Of Mind
All Over The World
RUOK?
Sallie Anne
Asleep At The Wheel
Working Week
Tear It Down
Encore:
Peace & Quiet
AO Mod TV Version
The only down moment of the night was the perennial problem of crowd size. While the crowd was enthusiastic, it was only around 60% of the size required to break even on the night. With touring costs rising (especially where travel across Bass Strait is concerned) and dwindling attendance numbers, we sadly may have seen the last time that this band will make it back to Tasmania. Here’s hoping not, however.
The band will, no doubt, make some huge waves over in Brazil, where they have a large following, and have had ever since their earlier days when the influence of many Australian surfers in South America saw them rise to prominence in that country.
All images: ©fullonrockphotography/Andrew Fuller
