Tonight was all about Gideon Bensen; here to launch his first solo EP Cold Cold Heart to some much deserved hype. Armed with vocals that ooze sex appeal and a band that didn't miss a beat, it was hard to believe that this was only their second live show.
Service Bells greeted the audience with some hard and fast rock; playing a technically competent, but not overly memorable set.
ADKOB, just off the back of their triple j Unearthed Laneway Festival win, treated us to a fun set of breezy, indie pop. Their sound was exciting, their charisma hard to resist, with the crowd creeping forward as the set went on to soak it all in. Jangly, danceable single Glue closed out their set.
From the get-go, the audience was hooked on Gideon Bensen's infatuating new wave sound, melding '70s rock influences and '80s synths to produce polished, hook-laden tracks. In the interest of keeping it short and snappy, he pumped out all four of his EP tracks, beginning with Shame, which featured a glorious sax solo, and chose to only include a few unreleased cuts.
This visual backdrop was simple but effective during All New Low, but it was all about those sensual R&B beats and Jack Moffitt's surprise guitar solo, who was not the only member of The Preatures out tonight. Talk Talk evoked an old school feel, showcasing the edgier side of Bensen's vocals. The real winner was title track Cold Cold Heart, which closed out the set. Damn, that chorus is electrifying and the hook just makes you want to come back for more. This song could fill an arena and that still wouldn't be able to contain its contagious energy.
Believe the hype and nab yourself a ticket to a Gideon Bensen show before his solo career explodes.
