Brisbane's answer to The Beatles played to a sold-out crowd last Friday at their version of The Cavern Club; The Fortitude Music Hall.
It's an embarrassing sign of your age to admit you've been a Ball Park Music fan since the first riff off their debut album, 'Happiness And Surrounding Suburbs', yet still never managed to catch a gig until now (23 May).However, the greatest thing about Ball Park Music besides their addictive indie-pop anthems is their ability to make you feel like you're at Wembley watching INXS on their Kick world tour.
The Like Love tour, which is currently touring nationwide and overseas dates (yeah the boys!) really acknowledges the love Australians have for the band.
As a music writer, my greatest pleasure at gigs is seeing crowd participation and that was certainly very much the brief given for their electric, stimulating and head-banging good time show.
Amongst the introduction to the new album we were also treated to gems including 'Bad Taste Blues, Pt. III', 'She Only Loves Me When I'm There' and the unofficial anthem of Switzerland, 'Fence Sitter'.
Lead singer Sam Cromack passionately introduced himself and the band to their loyal cult-like followers including myself with the gusto I always expected. "It feels so good to be back playing in own home town. . . Brisbane, are you ready to f...ing PARTY!?" Cue the entire venue shaking from the screams and spilt beer.
A mixed crowd of tradies in Billabong singlets to mid-30s singletons on Tinder dates they'll (likely) block in the morning, it certainly had the vibes from librarian to labourer.
Sam and the band kept edging us as they started to play the riff of 'Trippin' The Light Fantastic' and collectively we wanted more, more, more; but they kept us hanging – and we loved each moment of it.
Towards the end of the show, there was a sombre feel in the room as the band played their two most politically-charged songs; 'Struggle Street' and 'Please Don't Move To Melbourne'.
Sam spoke with the crowd like it was over a beer, going into his own personal anguish at how the Victorian government has handled the cost-of-living crisis currently crippling our country. 'Struggle Street' was for me the most poignant song of reflection. Many have mortgages, many rent and many are comfortable.
Music brings all walks of life together and cuts the noise. Nothing can top the euphoria that seeing live music brings. From a mid-show brawl in the moshpit to almost losing my toes because I was in the way of the disability access, it was certainly a show that will always make me smile with each re-listen of 'Puddinghead'.
Post gig had me craving public holidays and oysters as referenced in their classic bop 'She Only Loves Me When I'm There'. You don't sell out as Madonna – you sell out as Ball Park Music (or perhaps The Pizzas).
