The Preatures rock the Opera House
The Preatures paid tribute to their love of classic Australian pub rock with a career-defining Vivid Live concert at the Sydney Opera House last night.
Channelling the spirit of Chrissy Amphlett, the electric frontwoman Izzi Manfredi delivered an incendiary version of the Divinyls’ hit Boys In Town and later in the set, launched into the Angels’ Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again.
It was a polished show from a matchfit band who have racked up some serious mileage both here and overseas in support of last year’s debut album Blue Planet Eyes.
Manfredi and her band mates Gideon Bensen, Thomas Champion, Luke Davison and Jack Moffitt relished the sense of occasion offered by the special gig.
“It feels like a weird time for us to be playing The Opera House ’cause we’re really just getting started,” the frontwoman said.
Yet it didn’t feel weird for a crowd full of true believers who have followed the Sydney quintet before and since their breakthrough hit Is This How You feel? put them on everyone’s radar.
The vibe was relaxed, more akin to the pubs and clubs the Preatures have served their apprenticeship since forming a few years ago.
People chatted between songs and one cheeky chap chose to announce to the sold-out Joan Sutherland Theatre crowd that he was sitting next to Manfredi’s mum.
But all the action was on the stage with the musicians providing a taut, bristling with energy soundtrack for Manfredi to launch herself.
She could be fierce, stalking to the front of the stage, adopting a challenging stance and daring the crowd not to watch her.
On another occasion, she played coquettish, donning specs and pretending to read a book as she sang.
Even wearing a short tunic dress, like Amphlett she would drop to the floor, physically reacting to each note and beat.
The Preatures may not think they are ready for the Opera House but every other person the room would suggest they were more than equipped with the talent and smarts to pull off a great rock show.