Live Review: Sheppard, Microwave Jenny

It was not unlike a primary school disco last night at the Enmore Theatre as Sheppard took to the stage performing their brand of feel-good pop to a crowd crawling with toddlers.

Although this home-grown group consisting of siblings Amy, George and Emma Sheppard and friends Michael Butler, Jay Bovino and Dean Gordon, have already experienced a high level of success with their single Geronimo hitting #1 on the ARIA charts, it was clear last night that the seven lovable misfits still have some growing to do.

The night opened with trio Microwave Jenny warming up the not-so-crowded crowd, with lead singers Tessa Nuku and Brendon Boney showing off their incredible vocals. The highlight of their performance was a mash-up of hits including Latch (Disclosure), Boom Clap (Charli XCX), Problem (Ariana Grande) and What Makes You Beautiful (One Direction), to name a few, that had the crowd all singing along.

Sheppard put on a solid, high-energy performance that was well received by all in attendance. It was by no means earth-shattering, but the group displayed a level of talent and an enthusiasm that was infectious, albeit a little awkward and forced at times.

Geronimo was the obvious highlight, but songs such as Something’s Missing, Free, Let Me Down Easy and Smile also had the crowd (mostly the kids) dancing like maniacs.

The show was being live-streamed online, so at times it felt a little staged and unnatural, and at one point frontman George asked if he should censor a song and not use the word “fuck” in front of the kids, making it feel like we were at a Wiggles concert, but aside from all of that, it was a good night and a feel-good show. We’ll surely continue to see big things from Sheppard for many years to come.