“We’re middle-aged cult icons,” smirks Tim Rogers in between windmills and audience banter. But even considering alternative rock legends You Am I’s lofty standing in Aussie music, Taronga Zoo’s harbourside amphitheatre is a pretty special venue. Framed by lush greenery, the sunset over the city skyline is simply stunning. “We’re more suited to bars in St Kilda,” laughs Rogers.

The lawn is dotted with picnic rugs, so this is not the sticky-floored gig you might be used to; it seems Gen-X has ditched the grunge for a white-collar career. In fact, the vibe is more Carols By Candlelight than pub rock, but as the ’90s nostalgia sets in, the energy picks up.

Setting a new standard for indie rock, Jack Ladder and The Dreamlanders perform into the dying daylight. The group weaves synthetic sounds into pulsing rhythms, putting a sultry and melancholic spin on ’80s rock. With his baritone drawl and broody lyricism, frontman Jack Ladder probably tires of the Nick Cave comparisons. However, The Dreamlanders are a solid set of musicians in their own right, comprising Kirin J Callinan, Donny Benet and Lawrence Pike (of PVT).

You Am I have been a firm fixture on the Australian music scene for two decades now. Taking the stage in characteristically flamboyant fashion, Rogers swaggers about channelling Mick Jagger and even breaks into a crooning rendition of ‘Miss You’ by The Rolling Stones. Otherwise, there’s nothing particularly fancy about these songs. Loaded up with alcoholic energy and optimism, You Am I are about simple ingredients and deft songwriting. In spite of self-deprecating jokes about old age, the band seems to have retained its youthful kick, sliding with ease into bouncy classics like ‘Cathy’s Clown’ and ‘Good Mornin’’.

The show ends on a high note as You Am I belt out a resounding (if predictable) finale of ‘Berlin Chair’. It’s nice to reconnect with a band that fills you with fond memories and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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