Show: Hey Now! Hey Now Now
Reviewed by: Samantha Keogh
Venue: Barnyard Theatre, Emperors Palace
Seconds into the start of Hey Now! Hey Now Now! it become apparent that for at least five of the seven men on stage, rocking certainly isn’t work – it’s just a great deal of fun and they’re taking the audience along for an incredible ride.
Their enthusiasm is contagious and what would ordinarily be a great show is transformed into a fantastic musical spectacular.
In fact my partner was so mesmerised by the performance, he forgot to drink his beer – quite a feat for any performance.
While all seven men excelled on stage, it was the energy and fab musical skills of Darren Drawbridge (sorry ladies he’s married) and the smooth voices of David Baretta Owens (he of Lithium fame) and Jay Wilton that stole the show for me.
Darren has an amazing, and might I add very energentic, stage presence which sees him engaging with both the audience and his fellow musos to draw the audience in without detracting from the work of those sharing the stage with him.
Vocally, it was Jay who stood out for me.
Put aside the obvious Billy Idol look-alike factor (a teen idol for many of my generation), what Jay brings to the stage is sheer charisma and a stunning voice to send chills down the spin with every passionate note.
Quinton Lotter and Danny de Wet rounded out the electric vocals bringing down the house with 80’s alternative rock favourites from the likes of The Cure, U2, Simple Minds and The Clash.
I was extremely impressed with the fact that Quinton managed to play the drums and sing without drowning his vocals out with his instruments.
While I may not know much about the fine art of playing any musical instruments, I’m willing to bet that being heard over the drums, when playing them, is something only seasoned professionals get right.
Finally, the Barnyard’s sound and light, and the people designing and running these (something I do know quite a lot about) must be complimented for the volume levels which were perfectly pitched to the venue, and the lighting which was illuminating without blinding the audience as so many lighting designs do.
If it sounds like I was captivated and maybe a little awe-struck, that’s because I was.
It’s a great show brought to the Barnyard by musicians you simply have to make the effort to watch – repeatedly!
