“You’ve got a fierce night of entertainment ahead of you!” assured Simone Paige Jones, who was accompanied by Miles O’Neil as the opening night of Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes’ last residency gig at The Toff In The Town last Tuesday.
The duo, who serenading with lovely harmonies introduced and described the night’s second act, Kira Piru & The Bruise as “sultry and delicious” -and that’s just what they were. The audience embraced the Newcastle four-piece, enjoying the soul-infused beats and indeed, the sultry voice of Piru.
Appearing behind the stage curtain whilst the classic sing-along track ‘Lollipop’ by The Chordettes played out, Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes arrived to much applause from the sold-out crowd. The previous tune was as sweet as the night got though, as the set was filled of sexy tunes, voices and moves.
Everything about the performance was flawless – as if the viewer had just stepped onto the set of the 1991 classic The Commitments.
Playing hits from their debut album Baby Caught The Bus, as well as new songs with the same soul/blues feel. “Here’s a new one… be virginal and have your hymen broken to this” said Browne, as she introduced a new track.
Browne’s dry humour was once again on display before performing the biographical tune “She Plays Up To You”, written by the night’s opener Simone Paige Jones. “This song is about a particular nemesis of mine…I’m not going to tell you her name but…” paused Browne before breaking into the chorus of the Dolly Parton classic ‘Jolene’.
Whilst Browne and her beautiful backing vocalists The Bangin’ Rackettes left the stage half way through the set, the Bee Stings – in particular Darcy McNulty on saxophone and Nicky Martin on drums – really shone, producing solos that were nothing short of incredible.
Returning shortly after were the women, launching into ‘Vicious Cycle’, the crowd humming along after Browne jokingly threatened “I can tell if you’re not humming and then I’ll twist your balls into a little knot!”
An infectiously enjoyable cover of the Salt-n-Pepa classic ‘Whatta Man’ followed, while ‘Aeroplance’ saw the stage ladies whipping out synchronised flight attendant moves which were accompanied by an impressive guitar solo from Peter Bee.
Kira “Powerhouse” Piru joined Browne on stage accompanying her on “I’m Fine”, which showcased the amazing vocal abilities of both singers. Not only was this the first time the two had performed together, but it was also the first time the audience saw Browne smile for the night as she clearly enjoyed the company.
Piru also spontaneously returned after the encore to cover the Terence Trent D’arcy track “Sign You Name Across My Heart” before the band closed the night with their breakthrough track “Love Letter” – the crowd favourite of the night.
Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes may just be Australia’s sexiest band and Browne had the venue wrapped around her little finger by the end of the night.
Inviting the crowd to their after party at Cherry Bar, once they left the stage the crowd, stunned by what they had just experienced filed out of the room, with one woman yelling “They were fucking brilliant! And it’s only Tuesday!” with many around her agreeing.
– Eva Dent
