It’s Friday night. One of the best possible times of the week; no more work, no more early-mornings and most importantly, there’s always a quality act playing somewhere in the valley. On this particular week, the act that is taking over The Foundry’s front room is none other than local legends Cub Sport. 

The local quartet has been building up their fanbase progressively throughout the city since 2012. This week in particular added a whole other level of hype to the band, having been fresh off the bat from performing an amazing rendition of Kanye West’s Ultralight Beam as a part of Triple J’s Like A Version segment the week prior. Being hailed as one of the best covers of the year so far, it’s opened the ‘Cubbies’ fanbase to a previously unseen level. Long story short, this is the perfect time for the band to be touring their recently released debut album This Is Our Vice. 

I walk into the building just before opening act Max Chillin & The Kerbside Collective play. With an enthusiastic, upbeat set singing songs containing, more often than not, quite depressing subject matter; the band did an absolute stellar job welcoming in the crowd for what was to come. The set was definitely an engaging one, playing the brand new single, Goodbye, another standout called Boy and ending with the band’s debut song Treat Me Rough. 

Next up was local songstress Clea, whose angelic vocals and luscious, folk-pop infused melodies swept the crowd into a peaceful lull in the best way possible. Playing crowd favourites including Polyester and Dire Consequences alongside an impressively diverse mix of tracks. One of which actually being a song that I’ve spent the last few months frustratingly trying to Shazam and learn the title/artist of! It was featured in the advertisements for Foxtel original show Wentworth, and to this day I still can’t find what it’s called, as Clea only has Polyester and Dire Consequences available for listening online. Something to look forward to nevertheless. 

Anyway, after Clea finished up a lovely set, it should be noted that people absolutely FLOODED into the venue to see the headline act of the night, Cub Sport. They were welcomed to an absolute roar of the crowd. After waiting about 30 seconds to let the crowd’s enthusiasm settle, we were treated to the smooth opening synth sounds of Sun. 

After this, lead vocalist Tim Nelson paused and thanked everyone for coming out and how they weren’t expecting the venue to be this busy for them. The genuine happiness in his voice proving to be a big mark in regards to the band’s authenticity as one of their best factors. After this short chat and welcoming in the night, the band jumps into crowd-pleaser and first single from the album they’re launching, called I Can’t Save You. 

From here the crowd stayed at a steady level of excitement, remaining controlled and respectful whilst gliding through a setlist including new songs Vice, It Kills Me (which was greeted by one particular crowd member screaming, “THIS IS A BANGER!!!!”), Only Friend, Runner, Told You So and I Don’t Love My Baby. 

It’s at this point in the set that things really take a turn. We’re three songs out from the night being finished, and are treated to another chat with the band. After introducing all members on stage, the band announce that this next song is called Come On, Mess Me Up - their biggest single to date. At this point, the crowd went from peacefully enjoying one of Brisbane’s finest, peaceful powerhouses into an absolute party, screaming every word along with the band. 

After this, they thanked everyone for the recent support from their Like A Version appearance, and stated that they would now be performing their cover of Kanye’s Ultralight Beam now. This was greeted with one of the biggest and craziest receptions that I’d ever seen at The Foundry, with the place packed out all the way to the back bar and even leaking out the side halls. 

Cubbies finished up with a cover of Missy Higgins’ 2012 hit Set Me On Fire, as well as returning to the stage 5 minutes later for an encore of their song Tease Me. 

Overall, a ridiculously memorable show. 100% would recommend seeing Cub Sport if you ever do get the chance to, especially if it’s in their home town of Brisbane. 

- Jakob Rosenblatt