REVIEW & GALLERY: Busby Marou at 48 Watt Street Newcastle

29 May 2017

Busby Marou – May 25^th – 48 Watt St

Let me begin this article by saying that if you have yet to visit 48 Watt St for one of their music events, you are truly missing out on something spectacular.

Rockhampton’s Busby Marou took to the stage last night at 48 Watt St treating the audience to a very personal and intimate evening of sorts. Being my first encounter with the duo, I was a little unsure about what to expect. What I was met with however, was a truly spectacular example of how less is sometimes more. It was through the incredible melding of harmonies and often careful restraint, that Thomas Busby and Jeremy Marou managed to capture the attention (and dare I say… hearts) of the audience.

Armed with a set list of old favourites, fresh tracks and stellar covers, Busby Marou definitely did not disappoint. Following each track with a cheer reminiscent of the crowd at a local Knights game, the duo seemed to strike a chord with the Novocastrian locals. Covers such as Don Henley’s Boys Of Summer and Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want To Have Fun elicited mass sing-a-long’s amongst the audience and perhaps some of the passionate dancing I’ve seen in a while.

Though many came to witness the duo’s original tracks, Busby Marou’s latest album Postcards From The Shell House truly came to life last night. As one of their most recent singles, Getaway Car, rang through the Watt St venue, a sea of illuminated screens began to flood the room. I’m sure a number of those screens also remained there for the entirety of the night, judging by the groans coming from the back of the chapel. Paint This Land was also a crowd favourite, with young and old rushing around trying to get a glimpse of the stage.

Let’s not forget about our supporting players The Teskey Brothers. With infectious riffs and hard hitting rhythm, it had every man, woman (and mum) on their feet and swaying along awkwardly to the music. Hailing from Melbourne, The Tesky Brothers have proven themselves to be one to watch in the Australian music scene. If you were too busy sinking schooners to catch The Teskey Brother, my deepest condolences, you most certainly missed out.

I’m sure that everyone who attended last night’s show can agree, that Busby Marou’s closing track was truly something to behold. Rid of microphones and amps, Thomas and Jeremy serenaded the crowd with an acoustic rendition of their single Konomie. You could almost see the disbelief in their faces when the entire chapel erupted into song. Bearing witness to this was one of the greatest things I have seen since migrating to this spectacular city. I’m so proud of you Newcastle.