Live Review: The Belligerents, Jenny Broke The Window, King Colour

14 December 2015 | 2:03 pm | Emma McConnell

"The band covered Fatboy Slim's Praise You and received considerable approval for the interpretation of the '90s classic."

Sydney four-piece King Colour opened the night of psychedelic rock with their soulful '60s inspired set. Fluid guitar riffs and extended instrumental interludes accentuated their musical dexterity. Their latest release You Just Don't Know It Yet was particularly delightful and demonstrative of King Colour's overall performance, combining skilfully layered sounds with dreamy lyrics.

Alternative-rock outfit Jenny Broke The Window brightened up the evening with synth-laced pop melodies complemented by playful fragments of vocal distortion. Older track Ravel and their latest single Skinny Dip illustrated this exceptionally well, affirming their overarching commitment to a distinct indie sound. After some well received birthday accolades for bassist Matt McCaffery, Jenny Broke The Window got the punters moving and shaking with Black Skeleton, a buoyant and cheerful success. The band finished the set on a high note with Rum N' Cola, an infectious pop-rock song favoured considerably by the youthful Friday night crowd.

Headliners The Belligerents delivered a set comprised of an eclectic mix of psych-rock vocals, synth and heavy reverb. The setlist for the evening made apparent a shift away from their pop roots, a seamless yet mature change for the Brisbane locals. Sassy frontman Lewis Stephenson's quirky personality shone throughout, combining an eccentric onstage presence with his unique dance moves and robust articulation. The band covered Fatboy Slim's Praise You and received considerable approval for the interpretation of the '90s classic. It was an impressive break in the set although it still managed to uphold their psychedelic principles. After a brief consultation with the audience The Belligerents ended the night without an encore, instead finishing with two of their most recognisable hits. The title track from their latest EP Outside:Inside ensued with heavy guitar prompting a thriving mosh. In My Way was a strong finish and concluded an exceptional live set.