Live Review: The Bombay Royale, The Fifths

There is sparse chatter among The Luwow crowd, as sombre thoughts of the venue’s upcoming demise creep to the forefront of many minds. Tonight, however, the gears of celebration shift all too easily as The Fifths take to the stage. Down a couple of members and compromising with a pre-recorded backing track, the Melbourne five-piece don’t let technical issues get in the way of a good time. Despite occasionally sounding like someone has hit “demo” on an old keyboard piano, the band hit the audience with plenty of compensatory energy. Jugni and Bhoot are perfect samplers of the band’s sounds and prove why they’re a choice selection to open the night.

As the first members of The Bombay Royale mosey onto the stage, it becomes immediately clear that the crowd are in for something very special. Dressed in Lone Ranger eye-masks and fronted by “The Skipper” (saxophonist Andy Williamson), the masterful fills of brass and drums whip the audience into a frenzy. As lead vocalists “The Mysterious Lady” and “The Tiger” (Parvyn Kaur Singh and Shourov Bhattacharya respectively) blast into Henna Henna, the flairs of epic cinema and Bollywood power wash over the dancing crowd.

The Bombay Royale are unique not only in their kitschy throwback spirit, but also their ability to balance a sense of professionalism in their performance. It’s clear these guys take their work seriously, and the respect for the music against the all ‘round silliness makes it even more enjoyable. They’re colourful, corny and totally insane, but they’re still one of the hardest working bands around. The 11-piece have crafted and honed their performance so incredibly tightly, and none of the liveliness is lost on The Luwow’s tiny stage.

The Mysterious Lady summons forth the audience and gives them a crash course in Bollywood dancing. “The light bulb change” is the move of choice tonight and, when Bombay Twist kicks off, a sea of raised hands twist along. Wild Stallion Mountain explodes to an eruption of audience adulation, and The Skipper gives the love back tenfold. He may not be the frontman, but this is his show.

Equal parts Hindi filmi, Parliament-Funkadelic and Adam West-era Batman, The Bombay Royale are true masters of their incredibly unique craft. Their time on stage is owned and paid for, and the funky bandits make no apologies for the fiery, raw talent that they so expertly bring to the stage.