There’s something satisfying about arriving at a gig that will make you sweat, a gig that will demand you dance your socks off. For the Woohoo Revue, it’s an absolute given. These local larrikins treated Brunswick’s Estonian House to a gypsy fanfare in support of the release of their second full-length album, Moreland’s Ball.
Front and centre, horn and baritone players adorned kimonos flapping open and barely covering their underwear. Perhaps it was their interpretation of the ball of their wildest dreams, or perhaps they were just running late for the show. One thing is for sure – the bass player certainly stole the show in a fantastic peacock headdress and a sequined Charleston-style outfit. Wouldn’t be a Saturday night without sequins, now would it?
Lifted instantly by the band’s energy, the crowd took little time getting down to the beat, needing all but a gentle nudge with one of their new cuts, Rambo. Moving through the set, it’s hard not to imagine yourself on the set of some fantastic 70s action movie one moment, amidst the jugglers and sword-swallowers in a circus tent the next. And then the beat sways, ever present, reminding us of a casual stroll down the French Riviera. A welcomed nod to some of their newer material, a little more patient in tempo but still equipped with those wonderful crescendo’s to get the feet moving.
The Woohoo Revue are one of those bands you feel you could play well into the night with or without an audience, entertaining themselves with West Side Story-esque dance offs and kimono sandwiches. But then what fun would those instrumental solos be without an audience to appreciate them? And what fun would playing those tunes be without anyone to waltz?
These guys continue to impress. They are leaders in Australia’s gypsy scene and certainly local heroes. With shows like this, that’s not looking likely to change anytime soon. Long live the gypsy spirit.
LOVED: They dress to impress.
HATED: Where there is gypsy music, there is no hate.
DRANK: Myself stupid.
