A decent amount of people headed out to Northcote Social Club last Friday night (one of the coldest in May) to listen to Love Connection, a band that is all about being at the beach and basking in the sunrays.
Angel Eyes started the night, a one-piece of vocals and synthesizer, those who made it down early stood in quiet awe watching him.
Montero took to the stage next, and being unfamiliar with them was probably the best thing imaginable. If only it were possible to erase one’s memory of seeing them perform so as to relive that same joy over and over. Surely there is a long history of musicianship from all concerned on stage, which was made clear from their polished performance; and proven by the line-up. Benny Montero of Treetops is the lead singer and Cameron Potts of Cuba is Japan is on drums. What was most impressive though was how they managed to be tongue-in-cheek but not cheesy. If you laugh them off as some ’80s throwback than really the joke is on you. Plus, there is no better way to convey love in music better than a ballad, and “Deadheads come to Dinner” is probably the most heartfelt song since the Muppets sang “Rainbow Connection.” Also, it’s good to know Melbourne has an Ariel’s Pink Haunted Graffiti of our very own.
Speaking of lovely and heartfelt, once Love Connection finally came on stage, the audience ambled right up to the front of the curtains (keeping a safer distance during Montero). Love Connection got straight into it once the curtains opened, with songs off new album, Euphoria. ‘You Don’t Need Muscles To Get Love’ (which has a great video clip by the way) went down like a warm drink as people swayed, remembering the summer that had just past. Nice to hear ‘Home on the Wave’ as well, the great Pets with Pets collaboration from a while back. Lead singer Michael Caterer providing sweet banter in-between songs, the way you and your friends used to talk around the Milk Bar back in the day (e.g. ‘this song is pretty Hot Sticks’). Best of all, they didn’t leave it too long after they initially left the stage to be called back and perform ‘All Over’ from their previous self-titled album; another welcome trip down memory lane.
Leaving for New York City in July, for three whole years, it was only a matter of time before Love Connection – having perfected their sound – had to go. What will be missed the most will be the unpretentious atmosphere they create at their gigs. If you didn’t catch them before, then you better get a working visa sorted, Love Connection are escaping the winter.
– Hannah Joyner
