The Polyphonic Spree @ TheMetro Theatre, Sydney(29/07/08)

Wed 30th Jul, 2008 in Gig Reviews

CHECK OUT THE AMAZING PHOTOS FROM THE POLYPHONIC SPREE CONCERT HERE.

Brisbane six-piece The John Steel Singers opened the proceedings with their brand of feel-good, sun-soaked pop and made quite an impression on the steadily growing crowd. At times combing three guitars with bass, drums and keys, these guys played honest and unpretentious music that spanned a few styles. At some points they sounded like a mix between psychedelic rock and country and at others they carried a more traditional Beatles-esque guitar pop sound.

Whatever you want to call it, they played a tight set and warmed up the crowd perfectly for what was to follow. Highlights included radio favourites Evolution and Strawberry Wine, as both tracks got the punters shaking and jumping with huge smiles all round.

With a new album under their belt and a famously unparalleled stage show of epic proportions, The Polyphonic Spree was set to impress – the only question on my mind was how the hell they were all going to fit on the stage? With The John Steel Singers’ six members filling the Metro stage without too much room to spare, how would the 23 members of The Polyphonic Spree have any chance at all? Well, somehow they found a way, and after a couple of songs it didn’t matter anyway as we were transported into the warm, rainbow-filled world of the Polyphonic Spree.

Frontman Tim DeLaughter kicked off the show by cutting a big love heart out of the thick red ribbon spanning the length of front of the stage. As it dropped, the band launched into the first track, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Dressed in their new black military style outfits for the most part of their lengthy set, their look was in keeping the more political and serious subject matter of new album, The Fragile Army.

The crowd seemed to love every musical offering of the night but special mention must go to a few tracks such as the obvious favourite Hold Me Now, the inspiring Light And Day and the powerful Get Up And Go. A couple of cheeky covers in the form of McCartney’s Live And Let Die and Nirvana’s Lithium were thrown in as perfectly timed changes of pace. They got the whole crowd singing along and even stirred up a fairly sizeable mosh pit on the dancefloor.

After most of the main set was finished, the moment that I was waiting for had arrived. The band emerged from a side door and came walking though the middle of the crowd back towards the stage, all dressed in their iconic white robes. They then launched into an extended encore, which included some brilliant Hendrix-style guitar solos and an impressive keyboard solo.

DeLaughter’s ever-present grin and warm presence was complimented nicely by his band’s banter with the crowd (and each other), the six-voice choir and the very cute choreographed dance moves to create an endearing and uplifting performance.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about seeing the Polyphonic Spree live for the first time for a few years is the way they have undoubtedly surpassed any past speculation that they are a purely novelty band – as is the case with many bands with such a distinctly – œout there’ theme to their look and sound. Brilliant musicianship, copious charisma and inspiring subject matter ensure that the – œSpree remain serious players in the international music scene.