Sydney’s beloved rock group have had a big year, with their third studio album dropping in February and a huge American tour planned for November – still, no matter how busy they never fail to bring it when they hit the stage. Hayley Mary strolled out like the true performer she is, nursing what seemed to be a whisky-straight. It was clear she was ready to rock.
Stand & Deliver, the opening track from new album Synthia, felt like a bit of a slow start but that was only until it kicked into that big instrumental finish. They followed with My Love Is My Disease, which had the entire room chanting along with that epic chorus. The crowd seemed to be the truest of fans as they continued singing through all the old material as well, with tracks like Mace Spray and Long Highway.
Mary told the story behind Smile, which she described as her response towards a news article on “Is it OK to call a woman sexy?” Listening to the lyrics with that in mind made it even more powerful.
Mary and guitarist Samuel Lockwood worked the stage for Look of Love, Unnatural and Rosebud, which was about the point the intensity soared even higher. Easy to Love was one of the highlights, with the crowd screaming along and the band rocking out behind a blue haze. The percussion from Nikolas Kaloper during Come Alive was pretty epic as well. Pleasure Drive, the latest single from the band, was even better live than you could imagine.
The noise was deafening as everyone clapped along to Disco Biscuit Love, and Mary launched off the stage during Hurt Me. It was impressive to watch her hold those high notes even while crowd surfing.
The set seemed to keep on giving, as they finished with Endless Summer, If Ya Want Me and finally Stamina – with one enthusiastic punter holding up a lighter to set the mood.
There wasn’t even enough time to kick-off the usual “Encore” chant, as they returned quickly with two more tracks, giving us A Little Piece and aptly-named The End.
By Chris Bright
Loved: Hayley Mary’s swagger.
Hated: The funky smell in the beer glasses.
Drank: Beer and rum.
