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‘A More Perfect Union’

GANG OF YOUTHS
joined by Matt Corby, Middle Kids,
Budjerah, Blessed, Becca Hatch & Romero
@ Sandstone Point Hotel, Brisbane,
20th August 2022
(Live Review)

Review by Tammy Whitelaw

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Gang Of Youths // Photo – MusicVibes Photography

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Artist curated festivals have grown in popularity over the past few years, delivering fans a more individualised festival experience.  Back in 2018, Gang of Youths debuted their own festival, A More Perfect Union at Brisbane’s The Riverstage during the tour of their Aria award winning Album of the Year, Go Farther in Lightness.  4 years later, with a new album under their belt: Angel in Real Time, the festival returns to QLD after making a stop in Tassie just days before.

This time around, they’ve upgraded to a larger, more picturesque venue overlooking Bribie Island: Sandstone Point Hotel.  Punters who arrived early in the day were treated to the sweet sounds of Triple J Unearthed winner Jem Cassar-Daley and Sydney soul sweetheart, Becca Hatch.  Next up, Melbourne band Romero dialled up the rock n roll with their lead singer Alanna Oliver delivering an energetic performance reminiscent of classic Aussie pub rock greats.

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Middle Kids // Photo – Darren Chan Photography

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They say looks get you far in showbiz, and Budjerah knows it.  The adorable singer-songwriter asks the ladies in the crowd “If you think I’m cute, say Yeah”.   Luckily for Budjerah, he also has the talent to back it up.  Budjerah charms the crowd, not just with his charisma, but with his unique soulful voice, sharing tracks off his latest EP Conversations.  A healthy dose of covers works their way into the set, with Temper Trap’s Sweet Disposition and Ed Sheeran’s 2-step getting that Budjerah flavour injected into them.

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Gretta Ray // Photo – MusicVibes Photography

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As the sun begins to set, everyone’s favourite Sydney pop rock band, Middle Kids take to the stage.  Punters are quick to nab a prime position for the band’s set, making it near impossible to get close to the front at this point.  R U 4 Me and Cellophane (Brain) off their most recent album, Today We’re the Greatest kick things off.  It’s impossible to not sing along to Middle Kids’ incredibly catchy tunes.  Hannah ditches the guitar and boogies across the stage for Questions before taking a quiet moment behind the keyboard for Today We’re The Greatest.  Fan favourite Edge Of Town closes out the set as the setting sun turns the afternoon sky an apocalyptic shade of red.

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Middle Kids // Photo – Darren Chan Photography

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The sun is well and truly down as Matt Corby takes the stage; the dramatic red stage lighting illuminates the crowd of people lining the Sandstone Point hill.  Corby’s dreamily smooth vocals wash over adoring fans during Monday and Resolution from his debut album, Telluric.  As he works through songs off his second album, Rainbow Valley, it’s hard to believe it’s been a year and a half since Corby’s played to a live audience like this.  He’s been quite productive in his down time though, as he shares a couple of new tracks he’s been working on.  Corby shows off his guitar skills on an early blues inspired track of his, Souls a’Fire.  Miracle Love lulls the crowd in to a dream-like state that doesn’t last too long as the excitement for Gang of Youths brews.

As the stage lights dim, an Acknowledgement of country is displayed on the two big screens that flank the stage.  The moment lead singer, David Le’aupepe, saunters on stage the energy of the crowd shifts into overdrive.  Le’aupepe gyrates across the stage as he delivers The Angel of 8th Avenue – his signature moves are bound to become as iconic as Peter Garrett’s in Australian music history.  Confetti canons (usually reserved for the end of a show) blast red and white confetti into the crowd during The Man Himself, only two songs into the set.

Gang of Youths aren’t here to mess around.  It’s near impossible to stand still at a Gang of Youths show, and Leaupepe makes sure of it, stopping seconds into Let Me Down Easy to reprimand the crowd.  “I thought we were in QLD.  QLD is one of the best places in the world to dance.  This song is all about dancing, drinking and being good to one another.  I won’t put up with any of this half arse bullshit.  Not on my watch.  Not acceptable.  QLD! Dance or you’re not going home”.

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Gang Of Youths // Photo – Darren Chan Photography

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Gang Of Youths // Photo – Darren Chan Photography

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Gang of Youths are Sydney boys, but it seems they have a soft spot for the Sunshine State.  Le’aupepe declares QLD as “Gang of Youths heartland”.  Though it wasn’t always a love story, as he recalls a particularly harsh review of a Brisbane show supporting Cloud Control at the Tivoli back in 2013.  The reviewer described Le’aupepe as a “shitty Jim Morrison” who “acts like he’s already playing stadiums; he just forgot to write music that was good enough for one”.

The band’s latest album, Angel In Real Time, deals heavily with the passing of Dave’s father and no song hits harder than Brothers.  Sitting behind the piano to deliver the heartbreaking track, it’s one of the few moments during the show that Dave is still, and the crowd is completely silent.  Tears are wiped away as the band break into old favourite, Magnolia, and the dancing resumes. 

The band’s support act for their national tour is also one of their back up singers for the show tonight, Gretta Ray.  Le’aupepe invites Gretta to the front of the stage to take the lead on The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows, a track she covered for Triple J’s Like A Version.  The encore wraps up the night with Hand of God and Goal of the Century, but the set still feels too short.  Did they really play for an hour and a half already?

As more niche, curated festivals become the norm, there’s no doubt A More Perfect Union will find a permanent place on the Australian festival calendar.  After this tour, Gang of Youths have cemented their place as one of Australia’s greatest bands ever.  Shitty Jim Morrison and his band are well on their way to playing stadiums – they’ve certainly written music good enough to warrant it.

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Gang Of Youths // Photo – MusicVibes Photography

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Gang Of Youths // Photo – MusicVibes Photography

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Follow GANG OF YOUTHS
Instagram – Facebook – YouTube
Spotify – Website – Twitter – TikTok

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Gang Of Youths // Photo – MusicVibes Photography

Press Release 4th August 2022 (below) HERE

GANG OF YOUTHS
announce acoustic
& intimate final show at
ENMORE THEATRE SYDNEY

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Gang Of Youths // Photo – Ed Cook

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AMNPLIFY – DB