Local Dandenong Ranges band Playlunch raised the roof at their sold out Sooki Lounge show on 5 December with an electrifying performance.
The self-described “bogan funk” seven-piece had returned to their stomping ground one last time before embarking on a regional Australia tour which will see them travelling interstate to play a wide range of shows.
It was a night to remember for Sooki Lounge. With everyone having just knocked off work, the balmy Friday afternoon air had filled with anticipation.
Doors opened at 7pm, and a considerable crowd had already gathered inside for the supporting acts, Hassall and Willowbank Grove.
Hassall eased the crowd into the night with her soulful guitar tunes. Her humorous yet vulnerable and honest lyrics touched the crowd and took us from fits of laughter to moments of sombre reflection.
But soon after, Willowbank Grove exploded onto the stage with their exhilarating blend of trumpet infused rock. The band’s tracks were brimming with creative songwriting, irresistibly groovy rhythms and soaring group vocals. By the end of their set. the crowd had been warmed up for the headlining act.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement when a spur of activity at the back of the venue caught everyone’s attention. A passage had opened, and seven men dressed in pale blue school uniform polos and speed dealers were guided up onto stage as the crowd roared.
The band kicked off playing the intro riff to Red Hot Chilli Pepper’s Can’t Stop before masterfully transitioning into one of their recent songs, titled Station Rat.
It’s moments like these which prove why Playlunch were signed by the ABC last year. Their performances are geared around crowd engagement, and never has a band had such a demand over the crowd’s attention than this one.
The rest of the gig was packed full of crowd chants and other crazy shenanigans and it’ll sure go down as one of the greatest Sooki Lounge gigs in history.
