There were two groups of people at The Gov for The Cruel Sea tonight; you were either someone who was in the same age demographic as the band, therefore the fans who were truly experiencing them at their greatest, or you were like me, someone who’d grown up with their music through the 90s. Either way, tonight’s show was completely sold out and it was indeed interesting to watch fans from both groups react in their own way before one of Australia’s most prolific rock bands.

Before we get down to business though, I should probably address the opening performance, courtesy of Sydney’s Cabins. A band who I’d heard more talk about than actual delivery, these guys failed to pull an enthusiastic crowd; something due more to the timidness of the audience, than the talent of the musicians themselves. When I showed up (I’d say only one song into the set), I avoided the one lady on the dance floor who was itching to break out her best Footloose-inspired moves, and took up a spot near the back, where the best sound can usually be found at The Gov.

At first, I did think that Cabins were trying too hard to channel some epic rock that was too far out of their ranges to achieve completely; it took until about halfway through their set to sway my mind. I think that, once they became more comfortable in front of the slow-burning crowd, the boys really came into their own. The grunge influences were undeniable, yet there was something deliciously vintage about Cabins’ live performance. Lead singer/guitarist Leroy Bressington had that old-school rock swagger, where in front of a full and active crowd; his wasted demeanour would be incredibly charismatic. His vocals sounded as if they should be coming from someone at least twenty years older, but they worked on him, giving the frontman a great edge.

Through a dark and eerie cover of Edwyn Collins’ single “A Girl Like You” and deliveries of “Hounds” and other tracks off Bright Victory, the band remained driven and focused. Without the aid of synths, exaggerated pedal boards and programmed drums, Cabins demonstrated the tight and slick nature that can easily be achieved with the basics, and people seemed to appreciate it.

The scene had changed entirely once The Cruel Sea minus Tex Perkins began their set. People were crammed in front of the stage and even where I was stood at the side of the stage, people were clamouring to get a good view. Following their opening instrumental performance, the band’s frontman strolled onstage, sipping from a teacup. True to form, Mr Perkins automatically had the crowd at his behest. Dressed in a double-denim and thongs ensemble, Perkins swung the microphone stand around as if it was a magic feat, all the while making sure the ladies in the first few rows were paid attention to.

The set list from tonight’s show was a great selection of songs from the band’s back catalogue, and it was a line up of songs that seemed to attract and appeal to everyone on some level. With songs including “Better Get A Lawyer”, “Anybody But You” and “Million Dollar Ho”, The Cruel Sea reminded us all what critics mean when they refer to their music as being exemplar of ‘dirty’ Australian rock. The way the band effortlessly went from stomping rock ‘n’ roll through to the blues-infused parts of the set was great to watch; this is an act that have got the live performance down pat. Both Ken Gormly and Dan Rumour were awesome to watch, especially in such a close proximity, as they executed some great reggae riffs and bass lines, all the while looking completely in control of their instruments.

After dropping the massive hit “The Honeymoon Is Over”, the band exited to rapturous applause, only to return for one of the biggest encores I’ve seen – it may as well have been a simple intermission of sorts. Beginning with “This Is What It Is” and continuing straight through until the final song of the night, “Cocaine”, The Cruel Sea didn’t stop once for any sort of break; even Perkins’ crude jokes and interactions with the crowd was part of the overall experience.

By the time I was leaving the venue tonight, women were already gathering near the green room door, primping their hair and redoing make up, ready to greet and lavish praise upon Tex post-show. Musical talent aside, tonight showed that a band like The Cruel Sea, evidently, only gets better with age.