THE DRONES

After a recent nation-wide tour opening for Neil Young, Melbourne-based rockers The Drones are on the road again, stopping in Sydney to promote their latest album, I See Seaweed. The tour sees the five-piece playing at the Sydney Opera House, an idea lead singer and guitarist Gareth Liddiard would never have entertained when the band was starting out, but one that critics agree is a testament to the group’s musical achievements.

“You can’t really help but see it that way. We definitely couldn’t have played there 10 years ago,” he says adding, “It’s a good one for impressing the rellies, you know?”

It’s this brand of nonchalance that allows Liddiard to take the glowing reviews in his stride, saying, “It’s always nice when people like what you do,” a modest way of recognising that The Drone’s reputation as one of Australia’s best is growing with each new tour. Liddiard is intent on keeping it as real as possible, “I’m just relieved that we don’t suck,” he says.  And they certainly don’t. (JM)

Apr 27, Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Bennelong Point, $39-67, (02) 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com