Live Review: Babaganouj @ Black Bear Lodge

Brisbane’s favourite nostalgic pop-rock trio Babaganouj returned home last Friday night to Black Bear Lodge, the perfect end to their east coast ‘Pillar of Light’ EP tour. With a full lodge and the warmth and comfort of home, the band took to the stage in an energetic mass of vocal talent and unreal magnetism.

The set began with lead guitarist Charles Sale taking to the stage alone, opening with the last track from their new EP, Dunno What To Say. The track gives more an acoustic feel compared to the heavier, more rock like sound of the EP, which gave a calming start to the set with Sale’s smooth guitar strums accompanied by a light hearted drum beat. Ending the performance with a quick thank you and smile to the crowd, the now-full trio were met with an onslaught of cheers.

“A spirited rock energy emerged from Sale as he began moving about the stage’s despite its small size, while McGregor’s sweet vocals soared across the room.”

It didn’t take long for ‘Nouj to energise the crowd with their single Too Late to Love. Black Bear Lodge began to move to the catchy chorus, “It’s late/It’s late/It’s too late for love” sung by Sale and bassist Harriette Pilbeam’s contrasting vocals, creating a charismatic and lively atmosphere.

The bright mood continued with guitarist Ruby McGregor on lead vocals singing the second track from ‘Pillar of Light’, Awhile. A spirited rock energy emerged from Sale as he began moving about the stage’s despite its small size, while McGregor’s sweet vocals soared across the room. Next came Interpol, a great single that showcased the contrast between Sale’s deep vocals against McGregor and Pilbeam backing vocals.

Bluff brought out Pilbeam’s brisk voice singing gloomy, yet beautiful lyrics that were easily relatable to along with an easily memorable chorus, “The same conversation/Today as yesterday/With the same expectation/That you’ll just walk away”. With a lively rock rhythm, the single continues to be their one of their most best-received tracks since its release in 2014.

The highlight of the set was their yet to be released single Sorry, with McGregor as the lead vocalist. Her voice had a strong punk vibe as the drummer’s beat powered along to the quickening rhythm. Pilbeam regained the vocal duties on Would You Like Me?, the third track from ‘Pillar of Light’. Despite providing a more melancholic vibe, it was a calming break over the crowd as people swayed and couples held one another tightly against their waists. 

“Babaganouj continue to achieve a perfect balance between grunge and pop-rock, whilst portraying a distinctive Australian style.”

Hit Song brought the crowd back to life. With strong guitar riffs against a deep drumming beat and captivating vocals, the single came through serving up an old rock sound. The single combined the strong vocal abilities of the trio, causing the crowd the dance around. Do Rite by Me Tonite continued to fuel plenty of dancing as the rocking pop tune created an even peppier atmosphere. The vocal lead was shared by Pilbeam and Sale, adding a light charisma to the deep, emotive narrative of the lyrics.

The trio performed their last song, another unreleased single Star. Despite the crowd being upset that their tour and performance was coming to an end the enthusiastic dancing energy didn’t stop. The single sounded heavier than the rest of the set, and the harder rock vibe excited the crowd so much one exuberant fan leapt onstage and danced with the band.

Babaganouj continue to achieve a perfect balance between grunge and pop-rock, whilst portraying a distinctive Australian style. The band has grown tremendously over the past few years as the trio bring forth a more wholesome touch with their music. Can’t wait for the album guys!