Continuing together on their national tour, Hey Geronimo and Strange Talk played a free show at the Beach Road Hotel in Bondi on Wednesday night.
The second stop on the two bands’ tour, the intimate venue played host to what was to be a great show.
Hey Geronimo were first off the mark, and though the crowd hadn’t quite grown to its potential, those in attendance were not disappointed.
Performing every track from their self-titled EP, as well as a new single, and a quick Weezer cover, the Brisbane indie-rockers showcased their bright, upbeat harmonies and brass-infused rock riffs that have made them one of the most promising acts in Australian music.
Though the entire set was terrific, there were a few obvious highlights.
‘Dreamboat Jack’, with its catchy melody, playful keyboard riff, and seemingly effortless four part harmonies, really stood out, as did ‘I Got No Money’.
When the band played their new single, ‘The Dan Kelly Song’, it was clear that this was going to be another classic Hey Geronimo track.
Though they relied a little bit more heavily than normal on the brass section for this song, in the brilliant harmonies, driving indie guitar riffs, and lively keyboard, the usual elements of their songs were there.
As the set drew to a close, Hey Geronimo did an almost flawless rendition of ‘Buddy Holly’ by Weezer, delivering the cheesy lyrics and guitar solos as naturally as if they were their own.
Though it was sad to see Hey Geronimo go, there was a rising sense of anticipation over the imminent arrival of Strange Talk.
By the time that they had made their way on to the stage, the crowd, and atmosphere, had grown considerably.
Moving through their catalogue of electro-gems, the Melbourne synth-pop act had the ever growing crowd up and moving, creating a great dance atmosphere in the cosy bar.
Much like their tour mates, Strange Talk’s set was consistently fantastic throughout, however there were a number of highlights that shone a tiny bit brighter than the rest.
Playing what seems to be a band favourite, judging by its appearance on both of their major releases to date, the track ‘Climbing Walls’ set the Beach Road Hotel off.
The punchy, frantic synth riffs, layered under the soothing vocal melody set the perfect tone for some chilled out dancing, which was exactly what the crowd seemed to be up for.
Picking up the pace a bit, ‘Picking Up All The Pieces’, from Strange Talk’s 2013 release, Cast Away, managed to very successfully blend the indie feel of the band’s earlier work, and the clubbier music they seem to be moving towards.
The use of bigger, more echoed vocals and synth, while still maintaining an indie dance beat, worked a treat, and if anyone in the bar was dancing, this track more than changed that.
Despite being slightly different in nature to what had been on show for the rest of the evening, ‘Falling In Love’ , the lead single from Cast Away, also sent the crowd to a new level.
Though a lot of the grand, clubbier feel that the album version has could not be recreated due to the constraints of the venue, the heavier influence of indie sounding guitars and soothing emotion present in lead singer Stephen Docker’s voice managed to not only carry the song, but present it in a whole new way, showing the depth of talent the band really has.
Though the two bands’ styles are in contrast to one another, they complimented each other extremely well, proving to be a very good combination.
Both bands were technically exceptional and thoroughly entertaining, and anyone who can get to a later date on this tour, should.
