Benjalus’ Boondoggle EP launch went off with a BANG, on a heat wave night with the temp almost topping 40 degrees in the venue. Newcastle’s 5 peice rock outfit New Black Shades kicked things off with a great set. Then Kim Churchill hit the stage with his one man show and sent the capacity crowd wild with a killer set, this did leave me wondering how the headliners could match it.
Having not seen Benjalu live before, how wrong was I, Benjalus’ energy on stage is phenomenal and infectious with their love of playing their music live radiating throughout the crowd.
The highlights for me were Caught In A Mile, a fantastic tune with beautiful harmonies off their new EP, Way To The Coast had the 400 plus crowd rocking and singing along, and a haunting cover of Rodriguez’sSugar Man.
Members of the band consist of Ben Gumbleton vocals and guitar, Luke Elsley guitar and vocals as well, Nick Saxon drums, Nick Cook guitar and last but certainly not least Anthony Morris on bass who played the gig in pink flamingo PJ’s… strange, no probably the smartest and coolest person in the venue.
With over 400 shows under their belt over the last 2 years Benjalu are a tight and polished act, I highly recommend catching this band live.
Benjalu will be appearing at the Big Day Out, Sydney on January 26, see their web page for further gigs www.benjalu.com.au
