Live Review: Bjorn Again

Melbourne Zoo Twilights have definitely become a thing, selling out and packing punters in on hot summer evenings to listen to some music as the sun sets. They are pretty relaxed gigs and no other venue in town affords punters an opportunity to talk to the animals before settling down to some fine music.

News of a potential ABBA reunion this year has been tainted by the fact that their reunion will only be virtual. It seems that the pop superstars will only be projecting holograms of their former selves rather than undertaking anything as ambitious as a world tour. Perhaps a fair enough call as we consider ABBA's vintage and take in the masses of ageing baby boomers who have brought the kids and grandkids out for some wholesome entertainment. There is hardly a hipster trying to be ironic in sight and not too many dancing queens either. As we check out the crowd, it's amusing to think that some of these darlings would have been stepping out in style at Melbourne's discotheques in platforms and flares way, way, way back in the day. 

Much like a double-disc collection of ABBA's greatest hits, tonight's show is divided into two parts, each song a well-worn hit-turned-karaoke classic as the crowd sings along with a hit of nostalgia in their voices. ABBA's keyboard player Benny Andersson has often told fans that if they want a live experience then they should check out Bjorn Again. While the faux Swedish accents reminiscent of The Muppet Show's Swedish chef are as amusing as they are irritating, Bjorn Again, for the most part, deliver a decent impersonation. It's probably why they have managed to make a career out of dealing ABBA covers for the past 28 years, even though the vocalists in those iconic cat dresses look like recent additions to the band. SOS morphs into The Police's Message In A Bottle, Take A Chance On Me comes with a twee rap breakdown and when the crowd least expects it they shake things up with a cover of Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer. Although they may have heard these songs a million times, the crowd can barely resist the hooks each song delivers.

The second half of the show manages to get all the old timers up and dancing, especially Dancing Queen. Fernando feels like a gentle protest song and Ring Ring could be all about that infamous call Prime Minister 'Trumble' recently took from the States. Nostalgia aside, Bjorn Again remind us what pop music used to be and, although ABBA's music is dating slowly, it is still good, old fashioned, cheesy fun.