Gig reviews are perhaps the only time you can throw back cheap beer and refer to yourself as “a professional,” all the while gyrating like it’s ‘Fourty and Naughty’ Tuesday’s at the local RSL. Tonight was no exception.
Supported by dulcet Melbourne duo, Them Swoops, and the raw croons of The Preatures, Hungry Kids of Hungary crowned the trifecta of awkward brilliance that was ‘Live at the Hi-Fi’.
As a sideline spectator, the atmosphere was what can only be described as dynamic. Ranging from freshly picked 18 year olds to what looked like someones father, the crowd did more “yewing” than Schoolies with a four pack of strawberry cruisers.
Although ostensibly not as recognisable as their counterparts, unsung heroes Them Swoops brought an electrifying ambiance to centre stage. Belting out crowd favourites, ‘Work Around It’ and ‘Too Fast For Love’, the synth-driven indie pop stylings of Dave McGann and Chris Goff set the standard for things to come.
Followed by cool-toned Isabella Manfredi, and the brazen vocals of Gideon Bensen, Sydney five piece The Preatures roused the room with a dynamic blend of Gothic Soul and Rock and Roll. From hypnotic chord progressions to violent melodies, the groups deliriously charged and infectious delivery shook the crowd from their reverie.
As the evening progressed and drunken, ham-handed pick-up lines started to resemble a year 9 MSN conversation, the men of honour emerged. Launching into a loaded, keyboard-infused rendition of ‘Sharp Shooter’, the cohesive pairing of lead singers Dean McGrath and Kane Mazlin kindled the teenage girl in all of us, effortlessly holding the audience to their every word.
Despite awkward glances shared by red-faced hipsters as they tried to recall the lyrics, the Brisbane natives 2013 release, ‘You’re A Shadow’, was welcomed with open arms. Merging candied chunks of indie pop with noticeably darker themes, Hungry Kids of Hungary reminded the crowd exactly why they’re one of Australia’s most promising acts.
As the stage lights dimmed and the audience filtered out, drunken revellers reflected on the night, with an eloquence matched only by Shakespeare.
“IT WAS SICK AAAYYEEE.”
Sick, indeed.
For more information on tour dates, visit http://www.hungrykidsofhungary.com/site/shows/
