KingswoodKingswood’s fans had one last chance to see the alt-rock band live before they relocate to the US. But the only way to grab tickets to the exclusive tour was to purchase Coopers Dark Ale beer and enter online. That’s a simple task in exchange for a night of free music, beer and food.
The Gov was filled with punters clutching onto a bottle of beer or two. Their loud chatter quietened as local psych rockers Glass Skies took to the stage. The band impressed with their shrieking guitar solos, mystical synths and intense hair whipping. Photographers scrambled to capture the best shot as the guitarist leaped across the stage. Every now and then he unleashed a howl or some obscure vocals. Ending with their signature mouth guitar playing they left the crowd wanting more.
Kingswood strutted on stage to Usher’s Yeah! an unexpected but welcomed entrance. Opening with She’s My Baby and All Too Much, front man Fergus Linacre’s powerful vocals sounded near perfect. The band delivered tracks from their debut album Microscopic Wars, encouraging the crowd to sing along. But these giddy fans didn’t need reminding. They hugged, head-banged and crowd-surfed more enthusiastically than usual.
The complimentary beverages seemed to be taking its effect. Guitarist Alex Laska mistook his stubby holder for a coaster and they commanded one too many rounds of applause during their 'thank-yous'. But nothing could dampen their performance. I Can Feel That You Don’t Love Me got hips moving to its blues-inspired riffs and during slower moments such as the tender So Long, Linacre locked eyes lovingly with fans. Sometimes this dragged on longer than needed but Laska’s fiery guitar solos made up for it.
Ohio turned the crowd into a sweaty, tangled mess before ending with Medusa. As the band left the stage, fans were hopeful for more but their chants failed to spark an encore. Sponsorship is not usually favoured in the rock scene but this Melbourne band made a clever decision to partner with Coopers. Music lovers savoured the night of free live music and beer. But it was Kingswood’s ability to put on a killer rock show and their connection with fans that made the night a success.
