Live Review: Boyz II Men

One of the most iconic R&B groups of the '90s deliver nostalgia, synchronised moves, mint harmonies and a backlog of hits to an adoring Melbourne crowd.

Entering the venue feels like stepping back in time. An anonymous DJ plays a set comprised of iconic '90s hits and the crowd is loving it. Songs from Zhane, Lauryn Hill, Brandy, Tevin Campbell and Silk set the mood for what is to be an epic night of slow jams and harmonies.

There is no one under the age of 30 at this show. With a live band behind them, Boyz II Men burst on stage with Motownphilly (a personal favourite) and even though mic issues drown out the soundtrack, this does not slow them down. Next up, the trio exhibit their silky-smooth harmonies with an a cappella intro of On Bended Knee, complete with over-the-top vocal embellishments (not unusual for R&B groups). They take us back 1991 with It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, Please Don't Go and Uhh Ahh, and a later track, the melancholy 4 Seasons Of Loneliness.

Next there is a band shuffle, Shawn Stockman picks up the electric guitar, Nathan Morris grabs a bass and what follows turns out to be the most bizarre part of the show. They bust out rock covers, including Bob Marley's Jamming, Are You Gonna Go My Way and American Woman by Lenny Kravitz, Bruno Mars' Locked Out Of Heaven, The Beatles' Come Together, while we watch Wanya Morris freestyle dance up and down the stage. Stockman perfectly sums up this part of the show with, "Well, I bet you didn't see that coming."

Back to Boyz II Men originals. Nathan takes centre stage and belts out Doin' Just Fine before getting the audience to click along to Water Runs Dry.

To finish off the incredible night of '90s nostalgia the group sing one of their biggest hits I'll Make Love To You and hand out red roses, followed by A Song For Mama and then a fitting finale in End Of The Road.

The only thing missing is original fourth member Michael McCary's bass vocals and iconic 'bed-rap' speaking parts in many of the Boyz II Men hits. However, decades of recording and touring have not affected their flawless vocal dynamics and strength, even as a trio. All in all, it's a great night out with old high school friends, singing all the words at the top of our lungs and admiring the incredible talent that still emanates from Boyz II Men even after 26 years.