Live Review: Hedge Fund “What You’re Hiding” Single Tour @ The Brightside

When Sydney 5-piece Hedge Fund announced they were hitting the road, one thing that was certain is they’d bring their finest activewear. As it so happens, they brought a whole lot more than gym aesthetics with them. After a fresh faced youngsters Max Chillen & The Kerbside Collective and Brisbane favourites Big Bad Echo wrapped up their sets, Hedge Fund gave it their all despite technical issues and malfunctioning synthesisers.

Although their set was short, it was memorable and filled with quality banter between the band and the audience. At one point Frontman Will Colven (Vocals) complimenting fans tattoo sleeves and drink choices. As Colven sauntered around the stage with only a mic in hand the rest band kicked in to some heavy dance inspired tracks. Sounding tight and clearly enjoying themselves, Hedge Fund’s alternative grooves are set apart from their studio releases.

Their live jams take a less synthetic feel, relying heavily on distorted guitar, heavy bass riffs, and energetic drum beats. Alongside the organic instrumentation, powerful vocals cut through the mix, giving each song a sense of individuality. Colven’s vocals soared through Boyfriend as he singled out crowd members and performing to them.

Illuminated by red and blue stage lights, Colven soaked up the atmosphere and showed off some tight dance moves. He kicked, he threw around his slicked back hair, and even treated the audience to some push ups during instrumental breaks throughout the set.

Colven remained clothed the entire time, unlike their show in Sydney’s Captain Cook Hotel a few years back. All on stage antics were totally legal, although many a beer could have been knocked over by the sheer amount of energy on stage. As the band rocked on to their single Summer’s Getting Shorter the crowed swayed, seemingly unable to get into the music as much as the band was. Despite this, the band soldiered through and played recognisable tracks like 2015’s Look Whose Back and What You’re Hiding. Both tracks were undeniably highlights from the half-hour set.

Hedge Fund delivered a killer set filled with their unique theatricality, setting a high bar for headliners Soviet X-Ray Record Club. The next time you see Hedge Fund on a lineup, check them out! Just make sure you bring your activewear too, you don’t want to look out of place…