Husky recently returned to Sydney for a sold-out performance before an adoring crowd at Newtown Social Club. The band have been busy putting together a follow-up to their 2012 debut, Forever So, and their set featured much of their new music. Though the majority of it has never been released, it resonated with the crowd and showed how Husky have matured.
Their new songs sounded fuller, and at times more upbeat than what fans have heard previously. However, it still remains true to their existing sound, with vocal harmonies and keyboard solos aplenty. The addition of a new drummer, who also provided vocals, was a great decision on the part of the band, further enhancing their already strong and radiant harmonies.
Old songs Dark Sea, Tidal Wave and History’s Door all got a big reception from the crowd. Fans cheered at the beginning of each as they recognised the intros. Someone called out “I love you!” to which lead singer Husky Gwanda jokingly replied, “That’s my mum.”
Listen: Husky – I’m Not Coming Back
https://soundcloud.com/liberation-music-oz/husky-im-not-coming-back-1
Keyboard player Gideon Preiss made all the ladies swoon with his serious, classical keyboard solos. Watching a musician completely engage with their instrument was incredibly enjoyable and one could see a real connection between Preiss and the music he played.
New single I’m Not Coming Back rounded out the main set, and its upbeat tempo, sweet harmonies and full-bodied instrumental arrangement made it a standout of the evening. The encore consisted of Hunter, which was beautifully dark and evocative, and another new, untitled song. The band gathered around one microphone to whistle the intro, which started off as amusing, but in fact added to the song’s delicate nature.
It’s clear that Husky are proud of their new music and enjoy playing it live and mixing it in with their existing work. They connect well with each other on stage and have a real presence when they play. One can only hope that a new album means another tour, so if you haven’t seen them, do it the first chance you get.
Husky will play the Queenscliff Music Festival this November – full details here.
