Tracy McNeil And The Good Life Charm Sold Out Crowd as they launch album You Be The Lightning at Howler in Melbourne, Australia

Written By | Hannah Robinson

It was the sign plastered on the front of Howler bar that first set the vibe for night reading “WE’RE BACK BABY!”. After having to reschedule their tour last year, Tracy McNeil and the Good Life finally got to showcase their latest ARIA nominated album ‘You be the Lightning’ to a sold out crowd. The venue was buzzing and it was easy to feel how excited everyone in the room was, not only to celebrate the album launch, but simply the fact that live music is back, in a room full of real life people, no live streaming screens in sight.

See More Photos of Baby and the Kicks HERE

See Clips From Their Performance HERE

Warming up the stage was Melbourne’s own Baby and the Kicks. The four piece band, comprising of vocalist Declan Skinner, bassist Michael Bradborn, drummer Dave Williams and guitarist Matt Parlane, charmed the crowd with their inviting sound and impressive musicianship. The group displayed a wonderful combination of an indie/pop/rock style tastefully matched with raw, honest lyrics. It was clear that many ears in the room liked what they heard as I watched a group make a beeline for the merch table as soon as the set finished. The band then joined their loved ones in the crowd, ready to enjoy the rest of the show.

Fans entered the room already expressing to each other their love for the new record, although released last year (winning Music Victoria’s Best Country Album of 2020) the official launch celebration of Tracy’s fourth album was clearly long-awaited. Melbourne were treated to a matinee performance at 4pm and the energy and love were kept going for the sold out 8pm show with many family and friends of the band filling the audience. McNeil’s powerful, enchanting vocals and stunning rhythm guitar melodies were backed perfectly by the beautifully cohesive sound of her talented band, Dan Parsons on lead guitar, Craig Kelly on bass, Brendan McMahon on key and Bree Hartley on drums.

See More Photos of Tracy McNeil and the Good Life HERE

It truly was a night full of moments that made you stop and appreciate your surroundings; good people coming together celebrate to good music. Tracy McNeil and the Good Life will once again entertain Melbourne with a show at Palais Theatre on Friday the 7th of May, before continuing their tour  interstate, finally being allowed to properly honour an album that deserves to be heard by all.

Photos By | Hannah Robinson