Walking up all those stairs to The Toff can be a bit of an effort, but totally worth it when you find on the other side of that heavy sound proof door, the lovely Albert Salt rocking it on stage, and the members of The McQueens ripping up the d-floor in support.
Ironically, it is actually Albert Salt that is supporting The McQueens, as they launch their new Return to Laughter EP, but at this stage you wouldn’t guess it.
There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing two increasingly loved Melbourne acts supporting and cheering each other on.
Albert finishes his set with a bang, getting the crowd rowdy and dancing with his latest song ‘Maybe, I’, before praising the audience with an ecstatic introduction to The McQueens.
The McQueens enter the stage. Immediately the crowd piles in from no where and suddenly I find myself at the back of room.
Lead man Noah Harris draws you in straight away with his succinct rock star vocals. The emotion on his face unbelievably real and passionate.
Guitarist Yano Newman, moves his body back and forth with his guitar while drummer Harry Monaghan smashes out the drum kit, and bassist Tibby McNab cutely smirks to every girl in the audience, bopping his head away. All in all, you can’t turn your eyes away from these boys.
Every guy and girl in the audience jumps around back and forth, parading around with the band as they belt some winners such as new tracks ‘Hannah’ and ‘Washed Away’, and even a few covers.
Noah jokes, introducing their next ‘song’ as a great new track, chuckling to the audience “we wrote it”. The band kicks into a cool, jammy guitar melody as they bop around to Pheonix’s ‘1901’. Yano and Tibby join Noah on vocals, backing him as they chant “Falling, Falling”. The audience goes wild. Suddenly, a change in rhythm takes place, as the song interweaves Miley Cyrus’ hard-hitting ‘Wrecking Ball’. Next thing you know the song takes another turn, as the boys start belting out Cyrus’ old classic ‘See you again’. An unexpected but seemingly fun, Cyrus, Pheonix, McQueens mash-up, and one the audience certainly didn’t mind.
The boys decide they’re going to provide the audience with another cover, requesting that Albert rejoins them on stage to help out in playing one of his own songs. Hustling through the crowd and up onto the stage, Albert cracks out his beautiful violin and keyboard skills, as The McQueens jam out an indie-rock version of his song.
My favourite of their covers is their choice of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Summertime sadness’, which they play with as much zest and soul as the bluesy pop goddess herself.
They finish the night off strong, with their last track ‘Fiasco’, taken from their 2012 Fitzroy EP.
I’m currently at the back of the venue, and looking down at the crowd beneath me, who are jumping around wildly, arms projected high into the air. I can hear the distant rumble of their stomping feet.
The techno that underlies the riffy guitar beats, has everyone dancing, including the band. The boys appear to be having a ball, as they chuck their bodies around the stage, becoming one with their instruments.
Great guys to watch, and a new favourite Melbourne band to add to my list. Definitely recommend you check them out.
Chelsea Olle 