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Gig ReviewsReviews
July 22, 2023
Emily White

[Review] Noah Cyrus @ 170 Russell, Melbourne 20/07/2023

Review By Emily White

A dreary winter’s night in Melbourne is not the ideal scene for an international pop sensation to take the stage. However, something about the cold and misty pavement lit up by slow moving, golden headlights set the perfect mood for an exquisite night of melodic storytelling. Seeing Noah Cyrus live has been a long time coming for her allegiance of fans, many of whom have followed the star since her musical debut at only sixteen years old. Seven years on and Noah has finally made her Australian debut with the Hardest Part Tour, in light of her 2022 album release. Joined for the first time by her long-term collaborator and friend – Australian songwriter and producer PJ Harding – it was to be a night of firsts, and an absolute blessing to witness.

 Being met with one of the warmest welcomes I had ever seen for a support act, it is clear PJ Harding has built himself a fan base, almost entirely made up of gen z women. Certainly not the expected crowd for a lowkey, country-esque, songwriter, yet it was delightful to know that tonight was not about the glitz and glam of a pop concert – the fans had undoubtably gathered for the shared love of music.  

Supported by only a steel string guitar and stagnant, golden lighting, the focus was on the storytelling. Opening the set with the first track off his recent EP; A Dangerous Thing set the tone for his brief, yet striking discography. PJ’s voice is warm and familiar, the perfect delivery when lyricism is the focus of the set. PJ is not a seasoned live performer, spending more time in the studio, yet he has become so supremely popular with Noah’s fan base. For the entirety of his set the room stood still, his touches of husky falsetto silencing the sold-out nightclub. Within a thirty-minute set PJ had easily sold his solo EP, To Fall Asleep, after playing its entirety.

The warmth of his tear-jerking ballads paired with crystal clear execution induced goosebumps throughout the room. A highlight of the set was the album’s title track, To Fall Asleep. Described as a song about the simplicity and calm that comes with family, more specifically in his role as a father. The Way It Felt to Love You is another masterpiece, filled with impressively concise, yet abstract imagery through metaphors, the song manifests itself visually in the mind of the listener.

‘It never rains in LA till it pours, and now the water’s slowly rising at my door. That’s the way it felt to love you’.

 Being lucky enough to hear an unreleased track, There Was a Song, expresses the joy that comes with being able to perfectly express emotion through music in a way which words cannot. Bringing the set to a close, PJ began to work the collective voice of the room in an angsty singalong, The Machine. Evoking a sense of confidence and self-assurance in those yelling ‘Fuck you, I’m gonna do it anyway’, the crowd was more than prepared for the night’s headliner to make her debut. 

 Thirty minutes felt like a lifetime waiting for Noah to take the stage – made all the more exciting as her name appeared, illuminated by golden flames. The venue becoming more tightly packed with every passing minute. I couldn’t help but notice the striking way golden light bounced from the metal high hats and towards the freestanding mic. A high level of class and glamour had been established long before Noah’s arrival.

Noah (Stand Still), the opening track from her new LP, fittingly opened the show. A gorgeous ethereal soundscape cemented by a three-piece live band. Noah’s casual entrance to the stage came across as anything but mundane. Her stunning lace embellished, sheer white dress can only be described as angelic.  Contrastingly, Noah’s lyrics come from a much darker lens, singing ‘When I turned 20, I was overcome with the thought that I might not turn 21’.  The remaining tracks follow similar themes of struggling mental health and relationships, all with an undertone not of defeat, but of growth and persistence. Mr. Percocet and Unfinished introduced the audience to the powerhouse live vocals that were to be expected for the rest of the night, as well as Noah’s flawless crowd work and authentic, caring demeaner.

Imagery of grassy meadows backed the magical indie pop sound throughout the set, gradually darkening from day to night, coinciding with the lyrical themes becoming progressively darker. Making a nod towards her long-time collaborator PJ Harding, the audience was taken back to Noah’s first album with Liar. The End of Everything is a once in a lifetime album – perfectly crafted, no song lesser than the other. Personally, I spent much of my final year of high school listening to this album from start to end, blasting through the car on my first solo drives; I can expect that much of the crowd did too. Hearing these tracks live for the first time felt like a metaphorical bookend to that phase of life, for both Noah and her fans who have grown by her side.

Powering through her short, yet sweet discography, All Three, I Just Want a Lover, and her first ever single, Again, all made the cut. ‘This song confronted the sad in myself. The fear that anyone I was close to would get up and leave at any moment’. The energy came to a halt as an acoustic section of the night began with My Side of The Bed; a highly relatable, yet deeply personal ballad about having trust and abandonment issues in relationships. The star was met with dead silence and undivided attention as she reintroduced PJ for their second ever time performing as a duo. The small set comprised of acoustic tracks You Belong to Somebody Else, Cannonball, Dear August, The Best of You, and The Worst of You.

I Got So High That I Saw Jesus bought with it a complete change of mood, as the poignant song about the end of the world transformed the venue into a gospel session. The fan favourite saw arms and bodies swaying in perfect synchronicity, the lyrics ringing through the sea of people. Blue smoke filled the room as the night began to come to its end. Hardest Part was without a doubt the standout performance of the night – with booming drums and bass creating a heart wrenching drama through the choruses, and slow solemn guitar lacing the verses. The highlight however was the vocals that seemed as though they had been savoured for this moment. Sounding like a choir of angels, shivers shot down the spines of the crowd. It is no wonder Noah has made a name for herself as a Grammy Award Nominated artist at age twenty-three, she is truly a musical treasure.

With her fans desperate for more, Noah returned to the stage as swiftly as she had departed. Begging for ‘one more song’, we were lucky enough to receive three of the best. Lonely, Make Me (Cry), and The End of Everything left not a dry eye in the room.

I had read that Noah’s live performances will stay with you long after her shows… and this is entirely true. Growing up in the limelight takes a toll on the strongest of people, and there is no hiding the pain and anguish that Noah has felt through her young adult life. However, after spending the night with the star, it is clear she has come through stronger than ever; carrying both herself, and her adoring fans who have found so much solace in her music.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
July 20, 2023
Terri Nas

[Review] Lizzo @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne 17/07/2023

Review By Terri Nas

I just took a DNA test turns out, I’m 100% THAT obsessed with Lizzo! 

Monday nights usually see me headed home after a long day at work to switch off and relax. But this week I ventured out to see the most brilliant and baddest bitch around, Lizzo! 

When I arrived, Rod Laver Arena was abuzz with glitter, sequins, and palpable excitement as far as the eye could see. 

Whilst we were all settling into position, we were treated to a fun and energetic set from Australian singer/rapper Tkay Maidza, who is supporting Lizzo on the Australian leg of her Special world tour. 

Once Tkay departed the stage, the countdown was on for the arrival of the lady of the hour. I could literally feel the electricity in the arena from the crowd pulsating through my veins and increasing by the minute. By the time the house lights went down, the place could’ve burst into flames with the hot anticipation radiating from the audience. 

It was then that Lizzo made her grand entrance centre stage in all her voluptuous glory, and opened her set with Cuz I Love You and her fun and bouncy hit Juice. We were pre-warned by the lady herself that she’d been on the coffee before the show, so now she was “hyper as shit”. Well the coffee worked, because her energy and stamina didn’t waiver once throughout her 90 minute set. 

By this stage, the audience were “‘bout to have a panic attack” wondering if they were ready 2 Be Loved. We then found our Soulmate and jumped on the Phone to the Grrrls. Lizzo then sung us through all the different types of Boys she likes, and then added a little Tempo. During the next song, Rumours were flying and we got to see a surprise on-screen cameo from Cardi B. Lizzo’s energy and vibrancy was completely contagious, and the whole crowd were beside themselves with excitement for the entirety of the show.

As Lizzo sung her hit Special, it was like being embraced in a big warm hug from your best friend. Between the lyrics and her delivery, the song really is a beautiful reminder that everyone is special and loved no matter what. During one particular moment, Lizzo was visibly emotional and slightly overwhelmed as she looked out into the sea of faces (and phones) and absorbed every ounce of love that was being directed her way. The next few songs led us to an excellent cover of Chaka Khan’s empowering female anthem (and a favourite of mine) I’m Every Woman.  

After Everybody’s Gay & Water Me, we were then treated to another cover, this time of Coldplay’s best-selling single, Yellow – with Lizzo declaring that they are one of her most favourite bands. 

It was then time for the famous Sasha Flute to make an appearance, and my little flautist heart skipped a beat listening to the dulcet tones being projected from the melodious woodwind instrument. (Yes, I was a Flute player. Yes, I went to band camp). I just love how an artist like Lizzo has incorporated her classical flute training into her music, giving her a different edge to most. Thank you Lizzo, for making us band nerds and the flute cool again! 

Sasha led us into the iconic hit Truth Hurts with some bad-ass trills which, due to some technical difficulties, was performed in darkness. Lizzo finished the song by hilariously asking “did we pay the light bill, bitch?” A temporary blackout didn’t stop the superstar from continuing the show like a true professional. Interacting with her fans to kill time until the lights were rectified, turned out to be a heart-warming moment in the show. The genuine and humble way in which she interacts with her fans is a clear indication that they are her priority. This is all for them. To prove this point, she did an encore performance again of Truth Hurts once the lights were back, because as she eloquently yelled out, “these people need to get their motherf**kin’ videos!” 

Lizzo has a literal glow that emanates from her, and as well as being beautiful and downright hilarious, you can tell everything she says comes straight from her soul and she believes every word she preaches. 

Her set was rounded out with I Love You Bitch, and the catchy and super motivating Good As Hell, which if you’re not ready to take on the world after listening to it, then you were listening to the wrong song. With the crowd on an absolute high we wanted more, and more is what we got. Lizzo came back for an encore with About Damn Time, and a final appearance from Sasha Flute before they both wished us goodnight. 

Despite being amazingly talented in many areas, Lizzo’s constant message of self-love and believing in yourself is also what makes her stand out from the rest and makes her so endearing. We need more genuine role models like her in this crazy world. No matter the mood you’re in when you enter a Lizzo gig, the only way you’re coming out of that show is on cloud 9 feeling buzzed and empowered. I’m still riding that Lizzo high and won’t be stopping anytime soon. If there’s one person you need to add to your Concert Bucket List, then Lizzo is it. 

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Gig ReviewsReviews
July 18, 2023
Cassandra Hale

[Review] You Me At Six @ Forum Theatre, Melbourne 16/07/2023

Review By Cassandra Hale

The Forum Theatre Melbourne is an auspicious live music venue that is synonymous with the best of the best in the Melbourne music scene. So, what better place to see You Me At Six tearing it up with Set It Off and Aussie favourites Between You And Me?! I could think of no place I would rather be on a cold Sunday night, but getting in was a little harder than I anticipated. The line of die hards snaked up Hosier Lane taking in the latest artwork piled on the walls while waiting, but that was just the beginning of the journey. Once inside the merch line took over the whole foyer leading upstairs for those who wanted to grab a coveted keepsake. The turnout was up and about early which was fantastic for the night’s openers and local Melbourne boys Between You And Me.  

These guys burst on stage with explosive energy, instantly winning over the whole venue. You could feel the rapid lift in the crowd with their momentum running like a freight train. While their set was only 30 minutes they packed in enough for an hour. It was a non-stop excitement filled with ripping music, cheeky banter, a trip into the mosh and even a shoey. Matt for YMAS happily jumped in to play bass while two of the BYAM boys were slamming on the floor, which brough a few excited squeals from around the venue. Between You And Me certainly had plenty of fans in the crowd, happily singing along knowing every word, and if you weren’t a fan at the start of the night you sure as shit were by the end of the set. Their Shit Yeah tour kicks off shortly and between you and me you won’t want to miss it.  

Recently chatting with Set It Off front man Cody Carson and being a new fan myself I was keen as mustard to check out their live show. They had a huge army of fans wearing their merch and screaming as they lights dropped, but that came as no surprise. Blasting out of the blocks with Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing, Set It Off gave an unrelenting set packed with all the hits. Cody left no corner of the stage uncovered as he held the punters in the palm of his hand. At one stage moving them from one side of the floor to the other, which I thought would end badly, but ended up being a whole lot of fun. Oozing stamina Cody took a quick-fire trip over the top of the pit, yes over the top. Walking from hand to hand supported by the hoards underneath, never missing a word as he stood aloft. Then taking the jump into surf mode and being passed back to the stage, singing for the entirety. If I wasn’t already impressed, let’s just say that was the kicker. Such a dynamic live performance by the whole band. Each song delivered with gusto and like it their last, the enjoyment of this tour constantly evident, Cody mentioned that he didn’t want it to end on more than one occasion. Guitarist Zach DeWall made the trip to my side of the stage almost as frequently as his own, dripping in energy no matter where he was. His smile as wide as the stage, happiness exuding from every pore. Their enjoyment radiated across The Forum, and I think every person in this iconic establishment could feel it. Clapping as a collective force, hands working on autopilot as Cody roused us constantly to join in and be part of the show.  

The boys ploughed through the hits including, Killer In The Mirror, Projector, Hypnotized and Win Win to name a few. We even got a little Backstreet Boys mash up which had the fans up and about.  Cody swapping out the mic for the drums as hard hitter Max Danziger came up front for a sing at one stage, then hold us down on the ground for a collective jump. Let me tell you this aging body is not primed for holding a squat these days, but I took one for the team and leant on a few pit buddies to join in the fun. Cody being a multi-instrumentalist also got out the saxophone and took it for a run. Holy shit is there anything he can’t do?! I felt like we got one with the lot as Why Worry and Punching Bag closed out the set. With promises to return Set if Off reluctantly left the stage but I have a sneaky suspicion we will see them back in Australia again very soon. 

You Me At Six are regular visitors to our shores, treating their fans to some sensational shows over the last few years. In saying that tonight’s gig took it to a whole other level. Could they really be better than last time? A resounding hell yes was the answer and it slapped you in the face with every song just to remind you. As the banner unfurled behind the drumkit you could feel the tension build to fever pitch, teasing us with what was to come. Then the boys took to the stage one by one and the roar that followed was deafening as the capacity crowd welcomed YMAS back as only a Melbourne crowd can. Dressed in matching black suits and white singlets in line with the cover of the Truth Decay album the boys looked sharp and ready to rock. Deep Cuts from the same album was the opener, Fresh Start Fever followed with the masses screaming back the lyrics of the songs we all knew so well. The mix of songs over the night was absolutely perfect, it covered old and new giving everyone what they wanted to hear. heartLESS, Bite My Tongue and No Future? Yeah Right were all graciously received with arms bouncing and feet pumping. The energy that You Me At Six brought to this gig was electrifying, Josh Franceschi’s smile infectious and Melbourne’s love for this band could not have been clearer.  

Stay With Me was polarising as Josh sang with such sentiment, the fans taking over singing the familiar lyrics back. Next up from the latest album was Mixed Emotions, drummer Dan Flint showing us his awesome skin hitting. With risers set across the whole stage rear, Dan’s kit on the left sharing the step up with guitarist Matt on the right. It was a brilliant concept and gave Josh plenty of room to work every piece of the stage. Of course, it wouldn’t not be an Australian show without the obligatory shoey and Josh not only did it, but did it from some randoms shoe from the crowd. That took courage even I was gagging at the thought! Take On The World was absolutely stunning, a beautiful sing-a-long with the crowd, all with phone torches held aloft for the occasion. Australia certainly holds a huge place in the hearts of You Me At Six, and Josh constantly lets you know how much they love coming here to play. They are always warmly welcomed, Australia showing them the love and respect that they deserve for making the massive trip to the other side of the world to see us so often. Room To Breathe and No One Does it Better finished out the set to rapturous applause, but I was pretty sure there was a few left in the tank. As it was, it was not just a few but four!  

Josh’s effervescent stage presence just kept bubbling out as they returned to the stage. SUCKAPUNCH had us down on the ground again and while my thighs were already feeling the burn I just punched through and launched up bouncing like a bloody teenager. The spell that is cast by YMAS is like no other and if they can get me jumping on the spot maybe I should employ them as personal trainers! The fans lapped up this large encore, and no more that Aussie fan Scott who made an appearance on stage and played his freakin heart out to Underdog. So generous from all at YMAS and a memory to last a lifetime for Scott.  

Musically perfect all night guitarists Chris Miller, Maxx Helyer and bass player Matt Barnes were the glue holding this amazing outfit together and as they launched into Reckless and Beautiful Way. The Forum’s walls shook a little and I swear the floor moved under my feet as the fans sang it out loud showing You Me At Six that the long haul to visit is appreciated by each and every fan here tonight. With waves goodbye and not just drumsticks, but a cymbal, taken straight from Dan’s kit passed to the adoring crowd, it was over. 

This tour for You Me At Six felt different and in some ways final, and if that is the case, I will live off the memoires of all the times I have seen them perform live and the joy those shows brought. But perhaps if the YMAS boys have a little room to breathe we might see them back in their home away from home for one last hoorah. Here’s hoping!  

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Gig ReviewsReviews
July 16, 2023
Cassandra Hale

[Review] Kings of Thrash @ Max Watts, Melbourne 14/07/2023

Review By Cassandra Hale

Melbourne metalheads rejoiced at the news that Dave Ellefson and Jeff Young, both elder statesmen of Megadeth, were coming to Australia.  Not only that, but they were playing So Far So Good So What and Killing Is My Business..And Business Is Good! in their entirety.  Kings of Thrash the Mega Years was something to get excited about and the line of fans waiting outside Melbourne’s Max Watts was a testament to how keen we were. The cold winter night was no deterrent as the stream of unending people flooded into the venue, necks ready to be snapped with unending headbanging and thrash hits that we all knew and loved for way too many years.  The demographic was of the older generation but there were a few youngsters leading the charge and keeping thrash metal alive.

Up first to open the nights proceedings was Melbourne trio Resistance. Only forming earlier this year it was a big spot to fill and the boys were keen as mustard to get us warmed up and ready. It was easy to see from the get-go that these guys all had previous band experience. They were tight and energetic and made some big noise for a three piece. I really enjoyed their 30-minute set which was crammed to the brim with enough thrash tunes to have the expanding crowd banging their heads. They are playing at the Bendigo soon and I definitely recommend checking them out.

Next up and with the punters piling in at a rate of knots was Alarum. These guys have been making music for many years now and were happy to bust out all their heavy goodness. They unleased a 35-minute set that was fully loaded with thrash metal madness and had the fans well and truly ready for the big guns. They played hard and they played fast with so much going on it was enough to make the roof of you head lift off. They were super tight and gave the crowd exactly what they wanted as glasses were charged and the black t-shirt brigade were pumped and ready to mosh.

Max Watts was fit to bursting and the air was electric as we counted down to showtime. As the lights dimmed fists pumped the air in allegiance to the two Megadeth heroes in Ellefson and Young.  Busting straight out with So Far So Good So What and that killer interlude Into The Lungs Of Hell the boys were off and running. Although there were a few small changes to the order of songs they all got one hell of a run. Set The World Afire, Mary Jane and 502 kicked things off and by now the floor was a mass of twisted bodies revellers making the most of every minute. Singer Chaz Leon was the perfect fit for the band. He had his flying V strapped on and sang with vigour. He was extremely engaging with the crowd, and I was left well impressed with his vocal and shredding skills. Insert massive drum solo here ……Peruvian slayer of the kit Fred Aching gave us a mind-bending solo, showcasing his amazing talent as the band worked through all the Mega hits. In My Darkest Hour was a standout for me and the punters, they sang with gusto and lapped up every second of the Megadeth classic. Liar and Hook In Mouth were both impressive, then the boys finished out the album with Anarchy In The UK. It was an hour of power like no other and had the floor pulsing as one for the duration.

Dave Ellefson is a name synonymous with Megadeth and let me tell you he plays the bass like a 4-string assassin. Believe the hype my friends, Dave is just as fresh as he was in his prime and his enjoyment was written all over his face. He spoke of how he really enjoyed playing the songs from Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good!  as they were ones he seldom got to play. He also mentioned that a lot of the room weren’t even alive when it was recorded, and to that end I leant in and gave my son standing next to me an elbow in the ribs. Yes, folks that is parenting done right and I for one am passing the baton to the next generation of metalheads! Jeff Young was still strutting the stage with enthusiastic high kicks and exemplary shredding skills.  He worked the stage like a man in his prime and was happy to jump on the mic and chat throughout the night. Clearly knowing of Melbourne’s rivalry with Sydney he was keen to stir the pot and raise a challenge to those north of the border to step up and take the coveted live music crown that Melbournites proudly hold.

It was back to the old-school snap your neck thrash metal as Last Rites and Rattlehead rang out. Again, the order was mixed but that left a little mystery as to what was coming next, and I for one loved it! Chaz had the saccharine growl down pat as he ripped out the Skull Beneath The Skin and Looking Down The Cross. Then it was a new level of crazy in the pit as Killing Is My Business opened the mosh up with bodies flying from one side the other. Shirts waved aloft as half naked sweaty men tried to stay upright and keep their drinks from dousing their pit buddies. Loved To Deth, Chosen Ones and the banger Mechanix were an assault on the senses and the album was finished out with These Boots. We were now one and a half hours deep into the show and thinking it was about to wrap up. But the Kings Of Thrash had other ideas, no encore, no leaving the stage just straight back into it with Dawn Patrol and a medley of Megadeth intros including Holy Wars and Hangar 18 which certainly whet the appetite for a few more classic Megadeth songs. The boys gratefully obliged with Wake up Dead, a cheeky cover of Riot’s Swords and Tequila and the one and only Peace Sells. If one song alone could raise the roof this would be it and the pit slammed for its duration. With a deafening applause and metal fists raised we saluted our metal saviours as they left the stage, leaving us with many tales to tell about this night of metal madness with the Kings of Thrash!

Hardline Media have been knocking it out of the park with their recent tours and Kings Of Thrash was no exception. Having the opportunity to hear some of these killer songs live was any Megadeth fans dream come true, thank you to all involved. Now I am off to book an appointment with my chiropractor, I may have overindulged in the head banging department but it was worth every bloody minute!

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Gig ReviewsReviews
July 4, 2023
Nikki Eenink

[Review] King Stingray @ The Forum, Melbourne 01/07/2023

Review By Nikki Eenink

Never has it felt more appropriate to recognise the People’s whose land I work and write on; the Wurrundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. Australia is home to the longest living culture on Earth, whose tradition of oral storytelling often involved song. As a music-writer, gig-goer, and story-lover – It’s important to recognise and honour that tradition, and the many ways it is carried on throughout our country. This always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

Australia is a country that is unbelievably diverse, in landscape, in people and in sound. On Saturday night, I was treated to three acts from all across the country: from the small-town shores of Kojonup to sleepy Adelaide and then all the way north to Arnhem land. I’ve never seen The Forum so full. Doors were at 7, and by the time the clock struck 8 – it was full. Strangers standing shoulder to shoulder, filling the walkways and the floor. We ourselves were so diverse. I saw two twenty-somethings in bright pink coats and red leather pants, a middle-aged man fresh from BCF rocking a cap and boardies, and everything in between.

First act of the night were WA’s own, Old Mervs. To say this duo are “up-and-comers”, is putting it lightly. With over 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, I’d be expecting them to become a household name tossed around along with snags at a barbeque. Major hit Cellphone absolutely rocks the crowd at The Forum. It combines King Krule-esque vocal stylings with Ocean Alley’s Aus-Rock sensibilities. Wearing baggy shirts, partially unbuttoned and jeans, these are two guys I could’ve gone to highschool with. Unbelievably chill, but undeniably polished, Henry and David are bringing surf rock back, baby. Childhood friends since they were 5, they innately understand the other, moving like a single organism. The surf-rock renaissance is back, bring it on, bruh.

Although a tough act to follow, we completely shift gears with second support, George Alice. We’ve swapped shaggy blonde hair and a slacker attitude for feminine melancholy and RnB vocals. Australia needs more women in its music scene, and Georgia Mannion took matters into her own hands. At only 20 years old, she’s already quickly soaring through the charts and quickly cementing herself as a newcomer not to be messed with. Long bleached blonde waves cascade over her shoulders as she places two hands lightly on the mic stand. The voice that comes out of her is incredible. Strong, with a gorgeous vibrato and a self-assured gentleness – she has us wrapped around her little finger. Hold On is where her voice really shines. The crowd that was letting loose and dancing is now deathly still, not wanting to break the spell she’s cast on us. My arms are covered in goosebumps. But it’s not all achingly gorgeous semi-ballads, songs like Stuck in a Bubble do an amazing job prepping us for the high-energy main act that’s about to come onstage.

It’s hard to describe the hold King Stingray had over us that night. From the moment it seems like the house lights might dim, people go ballistic. Boys jump in the air, someone screams an ungodly scream, hands are thrown into the air. The anticipation is killer. And not long after, King Stingray comes onstage. This 6-piece, absolute weapon of a band are dressed so casually, it’s almost humorous. They really look like they just stumbled onstage at first. But then they play. And my God, can they play. It’s just banger after banger. The nervous shuffling is replaced with ripper guitar solos, multi-instrument changes and powerful vocals. King Stingray are a delight, in every sense of the word. The room is buzzing, nay, pulsing with energy. Constant heckles of “Yeah!” or, better yet, “Fuck yeah!”, “Deadly!” all fill the room. I moved further to the back of the room as the dancefloor became too hot for my winter getup, and The Forum looked like an ocean. Waves of sound created a sea of hands and bodies and heads, all moving together.

There are many parallels between King Stingray and another iconic Indigenous band, Yothu Yindi. Lead singer Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu is the nephew of Dr. M. Yunupiŋu. and guitarist Roy Kellaway is the son of Stuart Kellaway, who were both founding members of Yothu Yindi. The pair have known each other since childhood. The band is already heavily enmeshed in Australian music culture, King Stingray signed to The Chats’ ‘Bargain Bin Records’, after Yunupiŋu and Kellaway released the band’s first single, Hey Wanhaka. Hey Wanhaka gets a feature tonight, to thunderous applause, jumping and stamping feet. The standout of the night for me, is Dimathaya Burarrwanga’s absolutely unreal didgeridoo playing. It melts perfectly among their 6-voices, adding a layer of depth musically unlike anything else I’ve ever heard. King Stingray are clearly very connected to their Indigeneity, and it surrounds all of their songs in a way that is so beautiful and profoundly fulfilling. We are watching more than a concert, we are watching thousands of years of cultural tradition, of community building, of brotherhood.

I want to stay true to my roots / I want to stay here with you

For Australian cultural icon, Triple J’s; Like A Version, King Stingray performed a cover of Yellow by Coldplay. I didn’t ever imagine I’d see The Forum filled with perfectly in-tune clapping hands.

“We’re going to need some help with this one”, before everyone launches into Yellow. Band and audience, we’re all screaming those lyrics at the top of our lungs. They play an extended version, to give each instrumentalist the chance to leave their mark on us, and the stage. Their energy is insane, never dipping, even for a moment.

Obviously, mega-hit Milkumana goes off. People are scrambling on top of their friends shoulders to make room for more bodies on the ever eager dancefloor. The guy to my left is jumping so high he nearly touches the ceiling, and I see a lad in a bucket hat ushering his band of merry bandits onto the dancefloor. The lighting is incredible here too. Black, yellow and red circles dance around the band. They’re bathed in the colour of the Aboriginal flag, and we are bathed in blissful sound. I remember the first time I heard Milkumana, I was 25 minutes late to an appointment because of traffic, but honestly, I didn’t care. If you want the vibes of an easy summers day, this is a guaranteed serotonin-booster.

Yunupiŋu poses a question to us; “Melbourne, why is it so cold down here? We gotta leave fast, it’s fucking freezing.” Kellaway jumps in, “Western Gapuwiyak, where the sun goes down – that’s what this song is about. Getting out of the city.” Campbell Messer, their phenomenal bassist, takes to the mic; “Thank you so much for coming out tonight. Everybody raise their hands up, facing your palms towards us.” A tidal wave of hands find their way to fresh air. “Look at all those colours. Beautiful. This song is to Strangers. You and me. Brothers and sisters. We bleed together.”  Yunupiŋu reiterates, “Nah, but seriously, get me out of the city.” With a laugh and a wink they launch into the penultimate track of the night; Get me Out.

Coming on for their encore, drummer Lewis Stiles does a SOMERSAULT (an honest-to-god somersault) onstage, leaping high in the air to take his seat behind the set. Let’s Go is such a mammoth way to finish. Everyone’s dancing and the band is pulling out all the stops. The tearing vocals, the unbelievable didgeridoo playing, the elegant bass-lines – not a hair out of place. It’s absolutely perfect. I see people going to leave, trying to beat the crush, but they can’t. They stand at the top of the stairs, frozen, unable to look away.

And then, it’s over, and I’m gutted. We all have more in us. It was such an unbelievable night. No other band does it quite like King Stingray. If you haven’t seen them, what are you doing? I won’t be able to get this night out of my head for a very, very long time.

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