Fresh off the release of their sophomore album You’re A Shadow, Hungry Kids Of Hungary kicked off the accompanying national tour in a wet Sydney to a packed house of drenched revelers at the Hi-Fi, alongside supporting acts The Preatures and Them Swoops.
A flashing drum-kit may not be the usual spectacle one witnesses at a gig but Hungry Kids Of Hungry are no usual band.
The stage, equipped with a self-titled banner, and a fluorescent rainbow collection of lights made for an intimate performance; especially as both support acts performed under the same serene blue lighting.
The drum-kit however, with the cover art of You’re A Shadow emblazoned over it, drew the audience’s attention most, especially when it strobed out over the crowd alongside the lighting already provided.
Upcoming Melbourne band Them Swoops played a great set to begin the night. Guitarist and vocalist Dave McGann and bassist Chris Goff played with high energy levels, engaged well together and with the audience.
They surprised a lot of people playing tracks like “Work Around It”, a simple song but with a cool guitar riff that is highly effective and had people bopping all over the Hi-Fi floor.
Other tracks included “Too Fast For Love”, “Hollywood Dancer”, and “Into The Atmosphere”. People that got there early were definitely rewarded; Them Swoops were great and are sure to be a name to look out for!
Sydney band The Preatures, on the other hand, captured a completely different style of energy as their blend of gothic soul and rock and roll provided a magnetic performance.
The five members: Gideon Bensen (guitar, vocals), Isabella Manfredi (keys, vocals), Jack Moffit (lead guitar), Thomas Champion (bass), and Luke Davison (drums), captured the audience in a trance.
Something highlighted by Manfredi’s cool voice and alluring stage presence in tracks like “Pale Rider” and “Threat”. The musical style mixed a constant drumbeat, rich guitar, and powerful vocals.
Yet this trance state gave way for a crescendo of rock and roll as Bensen showcased his rich and brazen vocals in “Young Brave Me”, that sent swooning women to their knees.
To cap it off they came together dynamically, showcasing feminine and masculine forces colliding, working off each other in “Take A Card” creating a fiery and energetic duet.
The Preatures were, just like Them Swoops, absolutely amazing and it is a real credit to the organisers of the tour to find two entertaining and strong supporting acts.
Despite great supporting performances, this was still Hungry Kids Of Hungary’s show. Their blend of summery hooks and fast melodic passages sent the crowd into hysterical fits.
The four band members: Dean McGrath (vocals, guitar), Kane Mazlin (lead vocals and keys), Ben Dalton (bass), and Ryan Strathie (drums), played their style of quick rhythmic passages, optimistic harmonised vocals and poppy melodies with bravado and electricity.
Starting out with “What In The World”, from You’re A Shadow, they continued with “Twin Cities”, “When Yesterday’s Gone”, “Sharp Shooter” from the same album, as well as cuts from 2010 debut Escapades, including “Wristwatch” “Let You Down” and “Scattered Diamonds”
The wailing and harmonic chants echoed throughout the Hi-Fi, much to the delight of everybody present.
The electricity of Hungry Kids Of Hungary was evident from the first interval as light-hearted chatter and tomfoolery between McGrath and Mazlin, plus the camaraderie between the band and the audience, made the gig even more memorable.
A great choice was when the pair left Dalton andonstage together for a rhythmic duet that was highly entertaining, a great contrast to the usual four-piece style.
Fans captured the most of the lyrical message, “I really don’t mind / if you’re having a good time”, as everybody moved, sang, and enjoyed the gig their way.
Highlights included their own version of Tame Impala’s “It Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” and an encore performance of sexy single “Coming Around”, which truly showcased the musical skill and the fantastic live style of Hungry Kids Of Hungary.
