Custom Kings, The Bowers @Toff In Town, Melbourne(22/06/2010)

Fri 25th Jun, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Hailing from Melbourne, four man collaboration The Bowers brought to the stage a great energy. Heavy on the bass, the vibe was up and the room began to fill. The band cruised through their rocky pop tunes, and by the end all seats around each candle-lit table were scooped up.

A break came, glasses were refilled and we got cosy waiting for Custom Kings to take to the stage. The curtains finally opened and the boy’s kicked off with a couple of newies, Sunday and We Go Wild Tonight. Slowly building the taste of the new album with each song, the audience seemed to reciprocate with growing nods and encouraging smiles around the room. It’s always hard to connect with new ears, but Custom Kings new tunes definitely have a weight in them; particularly through the vocals of lead singer Nick Vorrath, who is at times reminiscent of Band of Horses’ lead Benjamin Bridwell’s compelling sound.

Unfortunately, their visual presence didn’t quite match up. Aside from bass guitarist Jarrad Brown moving about a bit, the band basically stayed put for most of the performance. Upcoming Do it again mixed things up a little, bringing in a change of lighting (electric blue!) and a lift in bass and drums. This heightened mood was carried through to their most well-known song Red Sails, a clear favourite with both band and audience. With an added distant trumpet and offering something new in a slightly slower, groovier live version, it’s moments like this The Custom Kings’ style is not dissimilar to something like eight-piece drifty geniuses Beirut.

Vorrath followed with an acoustic solo, I remember the good times. Despite the song itself being a little bland, it was performed rather well and it appears his striking voice alone has the ability to turn any song around. .

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT HERE