It’s no surprise the Melbourne Ska Orchestra have sold out Max Watt’s tonight. It may have been three years between their self-titled debut and the month-old Sierra-Kilo-Alpha, but the band have toured so relentlessly that it makes you wonder how they even had the time to whip up Sierra. One thing’s for certain, however: all that time spent playing shows has ensured that the word on the street is that MSO are a true spectacle. Tonight is not so much a way of celebrating the album; it’s a chance to hear the album in its purist form.
Eight-piece roots reggae group Kooyeh instantly garner the attention of the considerable early-bird crowd, resulting in a completely packed out pit by the end of their set. Frontman Isaac Walker creates a laidback rapport with the crowd. The sun-drenched sounds of Soaking Up Rays incite a solid session of bliss for every crowd member. The track is definitely the band at their finest. The lush arrangement, consisting of hook-heavy guitars, creamy synths and a sparkling three-piece horn section, was nothing short of excellent.
From the conclusion of Kooyeh’s set onwards, the mood turns from nice, hazy excitement to the epitome of exhilaration. The thrilling racy sounds of Lygon Street Meltdown sees the entrance of the 30-odd-piece Orchestra. Nicky Bomba is the ultimate frontman, directing the non-stop antics the entire band deliver across the night. He invites the Ambassador of Malta to have her very own dance to My Girl Lollipop; conducts call-and-repeat games between the brass section and the audience; and in the midst of Third Time Lucky, he leads every horn player on a circuit of the venue as he madly bangs a snare drum tied around his waist. There is never a dull moment. The band members don’t just play their instruments, they treat them as an extension of their person. Trombones are lifted and spun in the air, saxophonists drop to the floor to play on their backs and percussionists run around the stage swapping between the drum kit and djembes.
Sierra-Kilo-Alpha is presented as an exploration of different parts of the world, from the snake-charmer inspired horns of Nothing In The Well (an ode to Australia’s poor treatment of Aboriginal communities) to the enigmatic Indian-exotica of Bombay Detective. Get Smart is, of course, a highlight of the night, having the most outrageously dancey horns I’ve ever heard. Lennox Jordan treats the audience to a dazzling steel pan solo, and Sally Ford swaps from the sax to the flute and sings in Spanish on the tropical extravaganza that is Solitary Island Sway.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra have outdone themselves not just in terms of their talent and creativity, but for putting on a world-class ska party.
BY JESS ZANONI
LOVED: Everything.
HATED: Thinking I could get away with wearing layers.
DRANK: Bit of Melbourne, bit of Mercury.
