Thousands of souls gathered on a predictably hot summer afternoon at The Observatory in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Garden.
It was there in this undeniably gorgeous setting (8 March) that gig goers were treated to a killer line-up of live music with The Cruel Sea, Mark Seymour & The Undertow, Vika & Linda and Loose Content as part of the Live At The Gardens 2025 programme.There was plenty on offer to eat and the drinks were plentiful and cold, as the weather dictated, at this family-friendly venue. The picturesque set was guaranteed, given the location and even had the added bonus of fireworks from Moomba lighting up the sky as a back drop when the night wore on.
As events go, it was well organised, the queues were short and the sound was impeccable from start to finish. Wherever you moved, the stage was visible, so if you wanted to have a little boogie on your lonesome and avoid the throng, there was room to move.
I arrived a little late, but am reliably told that indie rockers Loose Content opened with a solid and tight set with plenty of punters on their feet front of stage. Of special note was their post dystopian/ apocalyptic new single 'Pet Alsatian'.
Australia's best-loved sister act, Vika and Linda Bull took the stage next, resplendent in pink and yellow with a six-piece band. They did that harmony thing they do so well and fully rocked a buzzing crowd as the place filled up.
'Be Careful What You Pray For', written by Paul Kelly for their 1999 album 'Two Wings', was a fabulous moment. A slow burner, chugging along with a terrific distorted bassline and honky-tonk piano that highlighted the power of their vocals.
They were later joined onstage by another gifted songwriter of note, Mark Seymour, for the gorgeous song he penned for them, 'When Will You Fall For Me'.
Vika & Linda Bull with Mark Seymour - image © Mushroom Creative House
It was the beginning of an all in love-in for Seymour and his great talents. He fronted his ever capable band The Undertow for the next set. His craftsmanship was on full display for 'The Dogs Of Williamstown', 'Say Goodbye' and 'Cherry Red'.
Evergreen crowd favourite, the swoonful and evocative 'Throw Your Arms Around Me' was truly rapturous and was accompanied by a soulful and heartfelt audience sing-along. Tex Perkins clearly agreed with the fans, calling Seymour "my hero," which is no faint praise for a fellow songwriter and musician.
Mark Seymour - image © Mushroom Creative House
After that performance, the stage was set with high expectations for The Cruel Sea to burn the house down, and burn it down they did! The band opened with one of their trademark twangy and dirty surf instrumentals, followed by 'This Is Not The Way Home'.
They then veered into new material from 'Straight Into The Sun', their first new album in 23 years. Every song was perfectly calibrated and crafted by drummer Jim Elliott, bassist Kenny Gormly, guitarists Danny Rumour and Matt Walker, who is now a fully integrated member of the band following the death of former member James Cruikshank.
Tex Perkins worked the crowd, clearly enjoying the camaraderie, ever weaving, dodging and still making it look entirely effortless after all his years as a frontman. His lanky and self-sured presence is still a wonder to behold onstage.
Tex Perkins - image © Mushroom Creative House
Aptly leading the crowd along for all the big moments, Tex's high-octane performance was punctuated by hands in the air, wildly appreciative whistling and combustible dancing by punters.
Working through their celebrated back catalogue, The Cruel Sea completed tonight's journey with a whole list of their classic bangers, which is a full set list all on its own. 'Better Get A Lawyer', 'Black Stick' and 'The Honeymoon Is Over' sounded as fresh as they did when they were first released.
The Cruel Sea stands the test of time. Still as rock & roll and punk as they were at the height of their multi ARIA Award-winning career and only getting better.
- written by Karen Conrad
Upcoming Live At the Gardens Shows
Fri 14 Mar - Boy & Bear with Sarah Blasko, Augie March, De PorsalSat 15 Mar - Lake Street Dive with Playlunch and BATTS
