Live Review: The Jezabels, Gang Of Youths

Rumoured to be the next big thing to come out of Australia, Gang Of Youths drop a short set with plenty of grunt that sounds as though they are yearning to speak to stadium-sized crowds. Undoubtedly the lads will charm Spanish audiences when they play Primavera Sound in Barcelona later this month. It is difficult to disagree with Evangelists, but at the end of this set when Gang Of Youths get to singing about money, or lack thereof, it has the inauthentic feel of an ode to working class heroes sung by middle class kids. The song breaks down into a wild, bluesy, hard-rock jam that seems to briefly energise fans.

It's quite amazing to see the spellbound looks on fans' faces as The Jezabels declare that they are on The Brink. The dude next to us with eyes totally glazed over happily sings along with every word as though he's watching the very best band in the world. Hayley Mary shimmers under a spotlight in a black sequined jacket and her powerful voice soars across these songs. In more straightforward moments, Mary's a little like Chrissie Hynde but fans thrill as she slides into that distinctive, Kate Bush-inspired falsetto. It displeases her to see the crowd sitting. After Endless Summer she commands us to stand and we oblige for the rest of the show. More significant space is occupied by '80s-style synths in The Jezabels mix these days and Heather Shannon does the bored keyboard player thing as her playing adds a lush swirl to the mix. Nik Kaloper maintains a furious pace on the drums, making sure that everything keeps moving at a brisk pace. The amusingly awkward guitar hero moves of Samuel Lockwood are a distraction but his fluid, '80s-style guitar references – everything from U2 to Cocteau Twins lock seamlessly into Mary's sweet melodies.

Playing bright and poppy versions of tunes from their albums, The Jezabels have lost a little of their quirkiness. But engineering their set for maximum appeal and impact seems to be a winning formula as far as their fans are concerned. A few in the front row are initially disappointed when Mary confirms that they won't be playing Disco Biscuit Love but, when the band oblige with a stripped-back version of the song during the encore, elation ensues. As the namesake suggests, The Jezabels ravish with their seductive pop sound.