A Night with Briston Maroney
Photo credit: Charlie Hardy
On Sunday night, Briston Maroney stopped by Northcote Social Club for one of two side shows, alongside opening for The Kooks’ Australian tour.
The night kicked off with Lotte Gallagher, a Northcote local. Her soft, sweet vibe and genuine excitement (she’s been a long time fan of Maroney!) perfectly set the tone for the evening.
Lotte Gallagher’s set was a gentle, yet engaging introduction. Her beautiful, delicate vocals, balanced with a surprising but very controlled strength, captivated the entire crowd. One particularly mentionable moment was when she told the crowd about how she used her ex’s voicemail at the start of a song, a quirky touch to an incredible track. Even though I had never listened to her music before tonight, after hearing her set, I absolutely loved her vibe and will definitely be checking out her discography!
As soon as Briston Maroney stepped on stage for his first ever show in Melbourne, the crowd’s energy instantly shifted. He walked out with his signature headband, which only lasted half of the first song before landing into the front of the crowd. A fan tried to give it back, but he jokingly urged her to keep it (apparently, it hadn’t been washed since 2013). His live performance sounded every bit like his recordings, super crisp guitars, clear vocals, and an energy that kept the entire audience captivated. Maroney’s stage presence (along with his band) was super high energy and fun throughout his entire set. His setlist was a seamless mix of fast paced, high energy tracks to slower, more meaningful songs. Between songs, Maroney’s playful banter, ranging from witty critiques of US shows to funny anecdotes about his girlfriend teasing him over not knowing well well known songs, kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
My highlights of the night included the entire crowd singing along to his biggest hit ‘Freakin’ Out on the Interstate’, and an encore of two songs, featuring a brand new song, performed only a handful of times before. Throughout the show, Maroney’s appreciation for his audience was heartwarming, as he very frequently acknowledged the crowd’s engagement and energy.
Overall, Briston Maroney’s performance was a true testament to his evolving artistry. From Lotte Gallagher’s heartfelt opening, to Maroney’s dynamic and refreshingly candid set, the night was a celebration of genuine connection, humour, and beautiful music. This show has definitely left me and the rest of the audience, eager for what’s coming next.