Not many gig goers get the experience of witnessing a Vodafone Live at the Chapel gig. In fact, it is primarily the domain of competition winners, mailing list recipients and media. For this lucky few, it’s a unique and very intimate way of viewing some fine talent from Australia and overseas. It also reveals the heavy production-based set up that almost demystifies the beautiful, gothic ambience created by the television broadcast of these gigs. In effect, it’s the difference between a raw, spontaneous pub gig and television land. And that’s why, as your host for the night will tell you, it’s ‘one of the most important performances you’ll see.’

Large red comfy bean bags closely cradle the edge of the stage while theatre-like ascending seats fill up the rest of the cosy venue. The human size iron candelabras that surround the stage are more imposing and stunning than on TV. The large, flickering candles that they hold, along with the stained glass window backdrop and high wooden cathedral–like ceilings, make this set up highly distinctive.

Mornington Peninsula’s most famous exports, Kisschasy, have travelled a long and fast-rising musical journey to reach this coveted live gig appearance. Their first EP, 2004’s Darkside was a self confessed ‘flop’ but when their first full length album, United Paper People (2005), hit the airwaves people took notice. The very catchy and fun single ‘Do-Do’s & Whoa-Oh’s’ was a winner at Triple J, and that kicked off the radio station’s extensive support of the band. At the beginning of this year, Kisschasy released ‘Opinions Wont Keep You Warm At Night’ , their come-back single that had it all – energy, infectiousness and an equally engaging video clip. Suddenly the Peninsula boys were everywhere. Their second album, Hymns for the Nonbeliever , followed and it was earmarked as a well and thoughtfully written, tight and well produced album. It demonstrated growth within the band and Kisschasy an indie hit band.

Tonight’s appearance at the nationally televised Live at the Chapel series confirms their elevated national profile. When they took to the small stage vocalist Darren Cordeux acknowledged the ‘really pretty set up’ with his boyish grin then led the charge into ‘The Perfect Way To Meet’, off the new album. With this raucous opener, Kisschasy made it clear there was going to be no regard for the ‘pretty set up’. They went through tracks off Hymns for the Nonbeliever, like the gentle ‘Ghost’, new single ‘Spray on Pants’ and the ‘really emo’ ‘Real and Untouched’ while their first ever song, ‘Darkside’, represented their earlier material. The raw, rockier nature of songs from ‘United Paper People’ showed the difference between that album and the more polished current one. ‘This Bed’ and ‘Do-Do’s & Whoa-Oh’s’ were performed with Kisschasy’s earlier trademark of big choruses, melodic tones and raw edge.

Darren showed a ‘serious muso’ side with the solo and acoustic rendition of a couple of tracks, including the gradually mesmerising ‘The Shake’. His voice held its own, although it appeared a little fragile at times, but the band truly shined when performing as a whole. The jovial vocalist shared some inspiring and timely (in this day and age) words of wisdom after revealing that he grew up in a very religious family where thinking for oneself was largely discouraged: ‘If I can encourage people to do anything in life, it is to ask questions….find out what you believe in, find out things by yourself, ask questions…’ Nicely said!

Kisschasy kept their biggest hit to date, yes that song, till last and made an intense and energetic performance out of it. And no doubt, a fitting finale for television land!

Kisschasy’s Vodafone Live at the Chapel appearance will be televised on Saturday December 22 at midday on Channel 7