Warm and rich was the evening at Miami Marketta last Friday night (11 November) when Chutney debuted their new single 'Dream In A While', which was the perfect backdrop for a song filled with energy reminiscent of a summer afternoon at Burleigh Hill.
The Yugambeh/ Gold Coast-based indie rock band kicked off the set with 'Consolation Prize', a song that reminds us of their fun guitar riffs and storytelling lyricism we know and love them for.The four of them were joined by Josh Heaton from Local Safari as a guest guitarist/hype man, and he certainly delivered on the hype.
Their zeal on stage was contagious among a cheerful audience as they followed up with tunes such as 'If You Go' and 'Genie's Lamp'.
Matt Hansford's voice is powerful as he belts out lyrics, and the synchronicity of the boys across the drums and bass creates fun and textured layers within their music.
"It's like a Coldplay concert in here," Matt says as the audience turns their flashlight cameras and waves them along to 'Lick A Little', a groovy unreleased single the crowd always gets around.
Image © Harrison Innes
The entertainment continued when they blessed us with a blast from the past, covering the 2006 slapper from the Arctic Monkeys 'From The Ritz To Rubble', absolutely nailing the jagged electric guitar riffs and delivering the song with passion and vitality.
I was particularly impressed with drummer Andy Reid's form during their closing song, 'Outcast'. His dedication to sending the set out live and loud was a performance to enjoy within the performance itself.
I spoke to the boys after the show, curious about the filming of their creative music video 'Dream In A While' and what exactly condiment rock is.
"It's a type of new-wave indie rock; we're pioneering the scene," the boy's joke in response to my second question. It's a name fitting for the elements of their music style – colourful, spicy, sweet, and a little saucy (no pun intended).
Matt describes the songwriting process of 'Dream In A While as a creative blend of "condiment-rock meets Dracula", where guitar riffs inspired by a musical organ meet their classic surf-rock style. It also helps me make sense of the vampire theme throughout the music video.
They spend some time telling me about the love of playing to a loyal crowd in their home town, having last played a set supporting Bootleg Rascal a few weeks ago in Brisbane.
We'll be certain to see them again soon on the cusp of a warm summer filled with plenty of live music and gigs around the area.
Overall, Chutney delivered a ripper set filled with tunes with a distinct Gold Coast feel.
The group of talented and confident performers received three nominations at the Gold Coast Music Awards this year, and have an extensive list of support shows for big Aussie names, including The Terrys and Tones And I.
The boys will no doubt see their popularity rise with their playful fusion of Sticky Fingers meets The Strokes right here on the Coast, and ability to keep a crowd entertained from start to finish.
More photos from the show.
