Live Review: The Hillbilly Killers, Leena

On this Sunday afternoon, Leena takes the stage with bandmate Shane Riley. Multi-instrumentalists both, Leena alternates between guitar and keyboard while Riley masterfully plays slide guitar and mandolin. One standout of the set is John Rose. Leena tells us the song takes its name from a Tasmanian sailor who was the recipient of several love letters from this songwriter. Delivered with powerful vocals and an endearing country twang, the lyrics perfectly encapsulate the connection and doubt that characterise long distant relationships.

Decked out in a flamboyant white cowboy hat, Tim Rogers kicks off The Hillbilly Killers' set by telling the crowd: “The objective of hillbilly music is to make cocks hard and pussies wet.” Opening with Whiskey And Pills, The Hillbilly Killers play a brilliant pastiche of country music. The six-piece comprises Rogers, Catherine Britt and country music legend Bill Chambers with each sharing vocal duties, harmonising beautifully.

As the set progresses, the venue fills as stragglers wander in. The crowd is mainly an older group, with a couple of kids and numerous couples with new-born babies present, which creates a real festival feel in the room. Britt's I Hate Everything About You – a composition dedicated to her ex-boyfriend – is a great, dark number that is perfectly complemented by Chambers' slide guitar and distortion effects by Rogers. Their murder ballad Else Jones is surprisingly upbeat but, as with all of their songs, the novelty of actually being able to hear and appreciate the lyrics is intoxicating. The rapport between all band members is friendly and it's obvious they enjoy playing together. Rogers plays a deliberately antagonising role with the audience and is constantly heckled by the crowd in return. Nevertheless, he gives as good as he gets and responds to one heckler who says he looks a bit girly while playing Britt's guitar thus: “Well just imagine my cock slamming against your stomach, I won't look so girly then!” Another crowd pleaser: “Just tell that to my 12 ARIAs”.

At the end of the main set, The Hilllbilly Killers are called back to the stage where they play five more numbers. The particular highlight is Rogers' rendition of Faron Young's Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young. While country music may not appeal to everyone – and The Hillbilly Killers are very country – the band is tight, entertaining to watch and they put on a great show.