Live Review: Whitney, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

Melburnians Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever were slinging a slight '80s pub rock vibe, drawing a crowd with their undeniably Aussie flavour. Evidently seasoned performers, they cruised through their tight set as each band member took a stab at taking the lead. Shimmery burner and newest single, French Press, closed out the set.

Crouching at the edge of the stage with a microphone in hand, lead singer Julien Ehrlich's heavenly falsetto filled the venue. Backed by guitarist Max Kakacek's delicate guitar work, the pair set an intimate scene with their yearning rendition of Golden Days.

Later joined by the remaining members, Whitney promised they were going to play all of their songs tonight. From The Falls to On My Own to No Matter Where We Go they didn't disappoint with their balanced set of blues-infused indie rock. Carried by Ehrlich, who acts as both lead singer and drummer (undeniably a tough gig) the seven-piece were happy to be playing to the sold out crowd, who watched on in awe. The addition of live trumpet and ukulele cemented their blues sound, and it was apt that they covered Bob Dylan.

Ahead of heading off stage Ehrlich promised they would be back for four more songs. Upon returning, we were guilt tripped into being a better crowd — it worked, because the enthusiasm got turned up a notch, helped by upbeat cover of NRBQ's Magnet.

However, disappointment set in when Ehrlich realised he had made a mistake by telling us there was four songs left, having reached the third and closer. Fortunately, he mentioned that Golden Days was supposed to be part of the encore, so we made him and Kakacek do it again, before inevitably ending on No Woman.