2 April 2025 – The Triffid, Brisbane – words by Cecilia Pattison-Levi – pictures by Martin Schmidt
Canadian alternative folk-rock band, Crash Test Dummies, returned to Australia for the first time since 1992 (that’s 33 years folks) and they are playing two concerts here in Brisbane to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their 1993 album God Shuffled His Feet. The Triffid was the venue for the support band CityPiss to show us their musical style and for the Crash Test Dummies to deliver the ‘God Shuffled His Feet 30th Anniversary World Tour’ which focused primarily on the album which reached platinum status in Australia. I know I bought a copy in CD, and I still have it, and I went to one of the concerts in Sydney in 1992. It was great to see them back here in Australia.
I must admit that I was one of those music fans who’d fallen in love with the dark poetry attached to Crash Test Dummies songs like the brilliant ‘Afternoons And Coffeespoons’, ‘The Ghosts That Haunt Me’, ‘Swimming In Your Ocean’, ‘God Shuffled His Feet’, ‘Superman’s Song’ and ‘Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm’. My only small whinge is they didn’t play ‘When I Go Out With Artists’ which is my all-time favourite song by the Crash Test Dummies.
The evening commenced at The Triffid with local band CityPiss. The usual six-member band was cut down to a duo for this stripped back performance of acoustic and electric guitar rock with lovely harmonious vocals. CityPiss’song writing skills are obviously sharp. Their songs were witty and entertaining. As was their stage presence and crowd engagement. As they declared: “We are going to play new songs from our new album as no one knows who the fuck we are”.
CityPiss delivered some really good songs like ‘Leave Your Shit Behind You’ with its big sing along chorus and hook that came with crowd singing lessons. Then, the songs ‘Broke’, ‘Cocaine Baby’ and ‘Rather Be Workin’’ were really well delivered. And, the duo’s ability to showcase a variety of genres was impressive and “flexible”. In the band’s musical leanings, there were hints of Ween, Violent Femmes, Oasis and Elvis country style with a 2-minute blast of country punk impersonation with ‘Rather Be Workin’’ and also an intentional Moody Blues moment of guitar rock.
CityPiss – Triffid – photos by Martin Schmidt
CityPiss’ musical ability was clearly on display when they asked the crowd to mention any song or word and they would sing about it which they did with the thrown-up suggestion of ‘Wonderwall’. It was funny. But not as humorous as the last song performed, ‘Change (Your Mind)’ which was written “while high on mushrooms”. In answer to their closing statement. Yes. CityPiss did increase their following on Instagram and Spotify numbers from tonight’s tight set.
Then, after a very short stage re-arrange, it was on to the main act. The Crash Test Dummies have been in the music business, touring and of performing for more than 30 years. The original line-up of Brad Roberts (vocals),Ellen Reid (accordion/tambourine/vocals), Dan Roberts (bass) and Mitch Dorge (drums) reunited in 2017 and have been touring together since. They were joined by Leith Fleming-Smith (keyboard) and Stewart Cameron(guitar/vocals) who helped fill out their sound. The band’s setlist was masterfully balanced with songs from the celebrated God Shuffled His Feet album with other classic songs, including a new song, from their broader back catalogue.
Crash Test Dummies – Triffid – photos by Martin Schmidt
Crash Test Dummies opened with ‘The Ghosts That Haunt Me’ that was the title track from their 1991 album and it established the evening’s playful and musically sophisticated tone. Ellen Reid’s dynamic presence on accordion and vocals provided the perfect counterpoint to Brad Roberts’ deep baritone vocals. Her enthusiasm was infectious as she joyfully danced across the stage. The following song was ‘In the Days of the Caveman’ from God Shuffled His Feet and then 2003’s ‘Flying Feeling’ from Puss ‘N’ Boots was performed.
Crash Test Dummies delivered a five-song cycle from God Shuffled His Feet with ‘I Think I’ll Disappear Now’, the fun and philosophical ‘How Does a Duck Know?’, the brilliant ‘God Shuffled His Feet’, the gorgeous ‘Swimming in Your Ocean’ which is one of the band’s most beautiful songs, followed by the strange and odd ‘The Psychic’.
Then, there was a short break as Ellen Reid spoke to the crowd and she identified Bec in the crowd who was having a birthday. She, then, led the whole venue in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Bec. It was a special moment!
Crash Test Dummies – Triffid – photos by Martin Schmidt
The tone of the evening stepped up a notch when the band got back together and performed a cover of The Replacement’s song ‘Androgynous’ which got the whole crowd singing along even more. Then, three really popular crowd favourites were delivered ‘Two Knights and Maidens’, their cover of XTC’s ‘The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead’ with Ellen Reid’s performance just made the concert even more perfect and the amazing ‘Superman’s Song’. Crash Test Dummies were surprised that the crowd knew the songs so well as Brad Roberts thanked the crowd for actually knowing them.
Brad Roberts introduced a new song ‘Sacred Alphabet’ and it is a sophisticated piece of song writing with wonderful religious imagery and alliteration. It was a joy to hear new material of such quality. The last song of the regulation set was the superb up-temp song ‘Afternoons & Coffeespoons’ that is a modern take of ‘The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock’ by TS Eliot. It is about the vanity of ageing laced with deep regret and hypochondria. Its lyricism is funny but disturbing. And, the crowd loved it with a huge sing along and the irony of it wasn’t missed as Brad Roberts stated: “61! Looking trim!” as someone yelled out from the crowd “You’ve still got it!”. The whole band looked and sounded wonderful especially Ellen Reid.
Crash Test Dummies – Triffid – photos by Martin Schmidt
The band said good evening and left the stage for a short break before returning for a three-song encore. It proved particularly memorable with the intense and focused performance of ‘Heart Of Stone’ from Crash Test Dummies underappreciated album Oooh La La. It was arguably one of the night’s highlights. Then, ‘He Liked to Feel It’ and the superb parable ‘Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm’ that closed the evening with its thoughtful tone drifting through the venue. It was astonishing!
This anniversary celebration proved that the Crash Test Dummies unique blend of intellectual lyrics, folk-rock sensibilities, and Brad Roberts unmistakable voice remains as captivating as ever. The intimate setting of The Triffid provided the perfect backdrop for a band whose music still resonates powerfully three decades on. The crowd at the Crash Test Dummies concert were beyond satisfied with what they heard. Their concert was a gift nobody expected to get in 2025 and what a joy it was to receive and experience it.
