Seeing Playlunch perform at The Triffid in Brisbane became something of a preview of a new Aussie legend.
It was nostalgic, bogan, daggy, quintessentially Australian, and every bit fun.
First things first. I should mention our photographer fell sick on the night of their show, so please excuse my gnarly iPhone pics. Consider this the REAL punter’s account.
As I looked around the room I could see an even mix of ages, from teens to boomers.
One of the signs I look for when deciding if a band is going to be the next best thing, is their audience’s demographic.
It’s easy to see why Playlunch has such broad appeal. With catchy nostalgic songs which capture the essence of schooling life in Australia, it’s something we can all relate to.
The band even dressed the venue to look like an early 2000s schoolroom, with classic slogans like “No Hat No Play”, which also serves as one of their hit songs. And to my delight, they each introduced themselves as Hairy Maclary characters.
Speaking of the band members, I was blown away by the musicianship of this Melbourne seven-piece outfit.
The arrangements and instrumentation required to be so perfectly in sync with each other, while bouncing around on stage like hyperactive Bananas in Pyjamas, takes a serious skillset.
My absolute favourite part of their musical genius was when they combined the “Soupe Opera” TV-show theme song, with the classic ABC news riff.
‘The room was shaking by the time the engine of Keith’s ute grumbled through the speakers’
If you didn’t know Playlunch’s lyrics beforehand, you did by the time you were bouncing out of the venue.
The crowd didn’t just sing along, they roared those lyrics back at them, devouring every last clever line.
This was also helped by some seriously impressive graphics on a projector screen.
The room was shaking by the time the engine of Keith’s ute grumbled through the speakers.
Once the pool noodles came out, all you could do was give up and ride the wave.
The enthusiasm given by the crowd and returned by the band makes me think we are witnessing Playlunch on their rise to being one of the next greats in our country’s music history.
This has to take the place as one of my all-time favourite concert experiences.
If I had to choose any Australian band to see at the moment, Playlunch would be the one.
