It has been interesting to watch the development of Blue King Brown since early 2006 when they first made a national impact.

They first played in Hobart in February 2006. At that time, they were a tight band, with a likable stage presence and a very collective vibe.

However, tonight the band showed that it has continued to evolve.

To start with, their constant appearances at festivals across the country creates an association with summer. The venue was hot (it was freezing outside) and humid, the crowd was relatively relaxed and there was a strange herbal smell in the air. It was as if the band were giving the last rites to summer before heading overseas.

Their on-stage dynamic has also changed. The tight band unit that was evident before has started to disappear. The gig was centred around lead singer, Natalie Pa’apa’a. While the rest of the band weren’t forgotten, and all took their obligatory solos, it was definitely her show.

Natalie was the one delivering the message. The ‘message’ was varied, but quite prominent. She explained their relevance to the band’s increasing level of social activism and contextualised their more well known songs, like Water and Come and Check Your Head.

While Natalie focused on the message, the band provided the groove – which was more akin to a narrative that was wrapped around the songs.

While the intent is admirable and the delivery well executed, there was a tendency for the songs to take on an all too familiar feel. At times it was difficult to distinguish between the songs.

This seems like the obvious direction for the band’s evolution. While they are fantastic, dynamic live act, there is something iconic, inspirational and unifying that is missing from their songs. Until they can incorporate that, they will remain just a good party band.