Australian music sweethearts Ball Park Music are back, again! And unsurprisingly better than ever.
Finishing up their mammoth run of Groovin The Moo headlining slots, the gang has entered the GTFNBOS tour.Kicking their four night, back to back, sold-out run at The Princess Theatre in Brisbane, new and diehard fans were treated to another jaw-dropping show and overall great time, especially for a school night (18 May).
Newcomers on the block, Bean Magazine took on the opening slot bringing their quirky songs and sporadic energy to the stage.
The three-piece looked well composed, channeling a 'King Gizzard goes wild Wild West' vibe through their wailing yells and twangy guitar tones.
A shout from crowd goes up with some local morale: "Woo! Bean Mag!" A performance of their 2022 single 'Juiceman' was more than enough to gather some new fans in the crowd, as well as pump up some existing ones.
Bean Magazine - image © Harrison Innes
With a room now mostly packed out, Sydney four-piece The Buoys brought their rock energy that fans nationwide have been warmly embracing over the last few years.
The perfectly rehearsed show displayed true rockstar energy and the dynamic between Zoe, Tess, Hilary and Courtney was simply unmatched.
Since last playing Brisbane's Black Bear Lodge, The Buoys had the crowd onside from the get-go, with tunes like 'Lie To Me Again' going down a treat. With gleaming smiles from each band member, it was hard not to have a good time.
The Buoys - image © Harrison Innes
As the last of the crowd trickled back in from the outdoor bar and squeezed through the hallways of The Princess to find a spot, a freshly debuted horn instrumental welcomed indie rock darlings Ball Park Music to the stage.
Ball Park immediately erupted with their charismatic charm into 'Head Like A Sieve', which saw frontman Sam Cromack standing arms length away from the crowd atop a speaker, his nerdy-but-cute dancing sending the front row into a spirally spin.
Back onstage, guitarist Dean Hanson furiously swayed next to his brother, Dan, who was a flurry of arms on the drums.
Ball Park Music - image © Harrison Innes
Ball Park feels like going to see your mate's band; with their cool, casual social media presence it feels like everyone's a part of the band. However, you would be wrong if thought they weren't a big deal.
"Give me some night one energy, baby!" Fans in the crowd gripped and grasped at their friends, pulling them close in what might just be the ultimate display of affection: yelling Ball Park lyrics to your mates.
What felt like a discovery show into the Ball Park's discography, the glittery show was littered with crowd favourites and songs that stumped even the biggest of fans.
Moments like the deafening crowd-sung chorus of 'It's Nice To Be Alive' were complemented with quieter moments like the 2016 tune of 'Leef', a song revelled by those who knew the words. By the end of the almost two-hour set, fans were still clamouring for more.
Ball Park Music - image © Harrison Innes
Looking around, all you could see were joyous and screaming faces; from the depths of the pit to the top of the mezzanine. "Didn't expect anything less from the best city in the world."
Ball Park shows are unfailingly stunning, exciting and enthralling, and Thursday night was no exception. These live performances have been masterfully crafted experiences for a while now, all of them aging like the finest wine.
The Brisbane five-piece continues to build upon the best and give it all to the fans, who evidently eat it up. With another mixed set list and a question mark on the set list where an encore usually lies, Thursday night's crowd was treated to an extremely special unreleased solo song from Sam.
Ball Park Music - image © Harrison Innes
Without spoiling too much, more than a few patrons were dabbing their eyes to the acoustic ballad. The sound of Sam's voice was unmatched by any other noise. With a cheeky quip about playing the next three nights, the band reminded fans: "I want you to remember you're the most important night."
Once again, Ball Park Music has charmed the Brisbane masses, as they have before, and how they surely will again.
More photos from the show.
