If Wesley Fuller’s strides are anything to go by, the twenty or so people who have fronted up on a school night to Karova Lounge in Ballarat, are in for a sonic delight. Fuller commands the stage wearing grey and red pin striped flares that would make Brian Jones envious. Opening with ‘Someone To Walk Around With’ from his latest release Inner City Dream, the band is clearly well oiled after being on tour for the last month or so.
Fuller has a rock solid outfit behind him with Brett Wolfenden driving the beats, and stylish lead guitarist Liam Hopkins lickin’ the riffs at just the right time.
‘Biggest Fan’ has a riffy, tight Bowie-like groove and it’s pumped out straight after the opener. Two songs in and these guys are impressive!
Although Fuller brags about missing the peak hour traffic in Ballarat, he clearly hasn’t missed the mark with his latest release. Plucking songs from his Melvista EP, the only downside to tonight’s show was that it didn’t go for long enough. The title track from the album Inner City Dream delights the locals with its swirly power pop melody and catchy keyboard hook.
‘Better Of Me’ has a real Ringo Starr feel to it and it breaks up the set beautifully before the impressive ‘Runaway Renee’. All class axeman Liam Hopkins really shines on this song and it was one of the songs of the night.
Fuller’s songs have a charm and familiarity that have you wondering whether you have always known them, and #1 Song has you tapping your foot and singing along with its sweet chorus. There is even a slight Oasis influence on the Brit pop number ‘No More Chances’, which is another highlight for the night.
Zac Crosier sticks fat on the bass with Wolfenden’s beats and James Fleming is a real stand-out on keyboard.
Melvista rips with its Beatlesque like melody and poppy chorus that is quite infectious.
Slightly disappointing that there was a small turnout to see such a gifted band who really put on a great show. Please come back to Ballarat as soon as possible Mr. Fuller and band. Those of us that went along loved it.
Where: Karova Lounge, Ballarat
When: Thursday February 1 2018
Reviewed by Glen Anderson
