With a new name, a new EP – Shaking Hands – and a decent (but not adequate) amount of attention behind them, Sydney 5-piece The Preatures (formerly known as simply The Preachers) kicked off their east coast tour at Melbourne institution, The Workers Club, on Friday night.
Playing to a near-empty room, Melbourne’s Harts opened the evening with songs from his upcoming Offtime EP. The lack of a crowd didn’t stop him from indulging in extended, shredding guitar solos, even falling backwards at the end of his set – legs in the air and all – leaving his band, and those watching, feeling a little bit uncomfortable; as though they had witnessed him in a private moment.
With the arrival of some more punters came the multi-talented Jeremy Neale. As Velociraptor frontman and one half of Tiger Beams, Neale’s solo project is reminiscent of ‘60s garage pop, and the band had the look to match.
In coordinating black skivvies and grey suits, the charismatic Neale and his band had the crowd bopping along to his catchy, doo-wop-tinged melodies in no time. It’s hard not to enjoy this young man’s upbeat performance, if for nothing other than seeing the joy painted across his face. Though there was some sloppiness early on, the band really came together towards the end of the set when playing songs from the EP. Crowd-favourite “Darlin’” left the audience satisfied and ready for the main act.
The Preatures, in a word, are sexy. Dressed all in black, they have a 1950s-style rebellion about them that makes you want to sneak out at night, smoke a cigarette and mess around with Kenickie from Grease.
Leading lady, Isabella Manfredi, is nothing short of captivating when she takes the stage and has the crowd hushed as she sings the opening bars of “Free From Time.” With a voice as beautiful as her looks, she sultrily gazes at and beckons the crowd, who are already hypnotised as she crouches on the ground crooning the latest single, “Pale Rider.”
It’s not just Manfredi who can sing though. As Gideon Bensen takes the lead for “The Sleeping Serial,” it’s clear that this is a band boasting two incredibly talented vocalists – something of a rarity these days. Cheek to cheek, Bensen and Manfredi intimately share the microphone on “Young Brave Me,” their harmonies pitch-perfect and their sex appeal oozing.
After a brief – and late – introduction, Manfredi strikes the distinctive organ chords of their hit, “Take A Card,” getting hips shaking and toes tapping. Jumping around the stage, it’s evident that this is a favourite not only with the fans but the band as well.
Manfredi dedicated the last song, “Hero,” to friend and fellow songwriter, Hero Fisher, who now lives in London. Setting a more subdued tone as the night drew to a close, The Preatures proved that they are a band capable of not only making you dance, but making you shut up and appreciate as well; and one you definitely should not miss next time they roll into your town.
