When winter decides to go out with a bang, there is nothing more warming and welcoming than some good music. Good rock music, to be precise. This past Friday saw Adelaide band, Leader Cheetah, bring their Lotus Skies tour back home to Fowlers Live, with a show that was just what the doctor ordered.
Local lasses Gold Bloom opened the show, followed by poncho- and sock puppet-clad indie folk, Belles Will Ring. Costumes aside, these New South Welshmen provided a pleasant warm up for the main act. There is something to be said for their vocal harmonies, which were most impressive when vocalist Lauren Crew’s voice was put to good use, as on ‘Redwood Hill’. While their vocal blend sounded nice even from the toilets, nothing about it or their songs was particularly distinctive. However, combined with a sock puppet farewell, they excited the expectant crowd.
It was apparent from the moment Leader Cheetah took the stage that they were the main event. Opening with ‘Midnight Headlights’ from latest album, Lotus Skies, the four-piece (plus guest violinist) exuded a comfortable charm that quickly won the crowd over. Lead singer Dan Crannitch’s distinctive voice – a peculiarly alluring mournful warble – easily soaked the surroundings, and his few coughs were easily forgiven. The band were joined by members of both support acts on backing vocals for the almost-anthem, ‘Our Love’, and watching the band members interact only increased the warm fuzzies the song created.
But the band and the band alone created the highlights of the evening. ‘Bloodlines’, the old favourite from 2009’s The Sunspot Letters, was a reminder of the catchy goodness that helped these boys get to where they are now. Coupled with ‘Dark Stands Over’, a new song with a change in tempo that will grab you by the gullet, it was clear that Leader Cheetah have the live performance thing down pat. They played well, sang well and appeared to actually enjoy themselves. Crannitch expressed his gratitude to the audience more than once, and the audience was pleased to please him.
With a crowd that ranged from under 10 to over 40, a distinct and finetuned sound and a pleasing array of plaid, this Leader Cheetah gig was definitely one to see (and bop to). While it’s true nothing new or shocking was seen, there were good tunes played well; more than some bands can say, and more than enough for this reviewer.
– Rose Pullen
