Live music is back (again!) and Teenage Dads gave it the warmest of welcomes at Howler in Melbourne, Australia

Written By | Hannah Robinson

As many Melbournians gain back the freedoms we’ve been missing for the last couple of years, a buzzing crowd packed out Howler to attend, for many, the first post-lockdown gig. I knew already, watching fans bump into band members before the show, having a chat and taking selfies together, the love between artist and listener was flowing and we were in for a good time.

The lights dimmed and an inflight “this is your captain speaking” style announcement was the best attention grabber to quiet the eager crowd. Temporarily I started wistfully missing travelling in this locked-down, locked-out, border closed world we’re living in, but as soon as local, normally fourpiece, this time five-piece dream pop band Aeroplane Mode took the stage that was suddenly exactly where I wanted to be.

See more photos of Aeroplane Mode HERE

The enthralling sound of Sinead Horne on synth and vocals, Carlos Tinsey on bass, Will Clancy on drums, Brendon Bergin on guitar and vocals, also supported by Nick Bond on lead guitar had the audience dancing in no time. Making their way through a setlist including their released singles ‘Grown Ups’, ‘In A State’ and ‘Settle Down’, Aeroplane Mode allowed listeners to switch off from the real world and get lost in their sound, perfectly meeting the aim of their name.

See more photos of Teenage Dads HERE

By the time the indie-pop daydream that is Teenage Dads took the stage everyone in the room was more than ready to keep the party going. Opening the set with the up-beat, dance like everyone’s watching but you don’t care track Elevator before moving through hits from their two albums Potpourri Lake (2018) and Club Echo (2021). From frontman Jordan Finlay we received the impressive combination of vocals, synth, guitar, epic pigtails, the good kind of crazy eyes and hips that don’t quit. All while also being treated to Connor McLaughlin on guitar, Angus Christie on bass and Vincet Kinna on drums. Their beautifully cohesive sound kept everyone dancing the night away, chanting for one more song when they came to an end, which of course they were indulged with fan favourite ‘Sunburnt’ to end the night.

A Thursday night full of charisma and fun was a perfect example of how live music is a powerful tool in helping us re-learn how to be close and connected to each other again. Teenage Dads will continue their Cheerleader Tour into the new year, playing eight more shows around Australia before finishing in Redfern on January 29th.

Photo Credit | Hannah Robinson