Local Melbourne 5 piece indie rockers Batz are powering through their set, lead singer Christina Auby pulling out all the moves to entertain the throng. “3 AM Pony” dedicated to all the party animals who have ended up at Pony (now Boney) when all the other clubs have closed, is lapped up by the large contingent of Kingswood fans and Triple J listeners. WAAX rock harder through angst ridden tracks, and lead singer Marie leaves the throng awestruck with her intense and powerful vocals, winning a few fans in the process.
Kingswood have come up the ranks over a career spanning twelve years, to a loyal and strong fanbase, their songs resonating with the youth of Generation Z and beyond. Video effects and an impressive light show, are perhaps one of the spoils of their success as a premiere rock act.
“Looking for Love” off new album After Hours, Close to Dawn opens their set and the fans are pumped in the packed out confines of 170 Russell. Fergus Linacre (Lead Vocals), Alex Laska (Lead guitar and vocals), and Justin Debrincat (Drums and Backing vocals) are joined by a bassist, sax and trumpet player and two backing vocalists. Oldie “She’s my Baby” soon follows, a reminder of the driving riffs that were once characteristic of the band’s sound.
The atmosphere is palpable. The audience laps up every word spoken, every lyric sung and every note played on stage. They know all the words and sing along and perhaps sing a little more loudly when they discover the show is being recorded for Triple J’s Live at the Wireless as informed by Linacre. It’s refreshing to see a packed out venue for three sole Australian acts and in turn to witness the evolution of the band and their sound through songs in their twelve year history.
ICFTYDLM captivates the throng, inciting a mass sing along. Kingwood have so many numerous infectious songs in their repertoire that the crowd is singing along for the entirety of the show. Linacre and Laska’s harmonies shining throughout their set, and ending strongly for the encore, with oldie “Sucker Punch’ and latest hit single “Creepin” leaving the fans sated, and further proof that Kingswood are one of the best live acts around.
