A busy and lively Northcote Social Club greeted punters as they arrived for a showcase of new talent rising through the Melbourne music ranks. The Benson Campain had already started to develop a strong following after support slots with Josh Pyke, Carus and the True Believers and Xavier Rudd, and tonight the loyal troops had turned out in force for the launch of their new Studio EP Half Moon. The punters arrived early too so when support act Chris Cavill and the Long Weekend stepped on stage they had a crowd waiting with baited breath.
For a young man Chris Cavill had the stage presence of a seasoned campaigner. His rhythm section consisting of base and djembe provided the perfect support for what sounded to be a much older voice. Cavill crooned and grooved his way through a riveting and rich set, covering much ground in a short 40 minutes. At times sounding like Toto, Samba and Sting but all the while impressing with a genuine voice and a strong set. With an album release slated for next year this was a young name to watch out for.
By the time The Benson Campain came on stage the room was full and the longer term fans were champing at the bit. The band had released a live EP in the past but this was the launch of their new studio EP Half Moon so excitement had reached fever pitch. The band crept on stage and had the room at a hush as they eased in with new track Something About You. It was a relaxed start to what was to become a very energetic, excitable affair.
The quiet beginning was left behind as the following tracks built up slowly just like a good lover should. Mixing old tunes and showcasing moments from the new EP, the band had the crowd in the palm of their hands but were never too arrogant to let on. The 200-strong crowd were lapping up favorites My Friends and Meredith kicked but it was the new songs to come that got people moving most. There was some appalling dancing going on but hell… isn’t that how all the best parties should be?
Extra musicians appeared on-stage to strengthen the strong three-piece’s sound even further. Lap steel guitar added another dimension and the appearance of Chris Cavill with guitar in hand allowed the band to debut a 70s rock edge that had previously gone unseen. At times it was like the Eagles had gotten cool or Cream had gone rootsy but it was enough to prompt punters to scream for more. New tracks Always Trying to Please and New Roots displayed that the band weren’t short of tricks and the surprises kept coming and soon there were touches of early 90s shoegazer material. A clear evolution was developing and it was captivating stuff.
The party kept pumping and erupted in a major crescendo with beat boxing, harmonica, rocking riffs and more surprises. The band ended up in the crowd and the crowd ended up in on stage but there was no limit of smiles around the room. In an incredible last few minutes it appeared that some crowd members might just pass out from exhaustion but nobody could hide their excitement. It was as if the city’s best kept secret had just been let out. It was a compelling performance from a young act but it was clear by the end that The Benson Campain wouldn’t pass by unnoticed for much longer.
