The Thrills

An intimate group of roughly ninety people were fortunate to witness international Irish rockers, The Thrills, play a special gig in the sleepy coastal town of Margaret River tonight.

Sydney four piece act Sparkadia opened the night with a delicious set of Australian pop rock. Although many in the small crowd were not overly familiar with the band, it was not long before they had the punters on the floor dancing to familiar Triple J favourite Morning Light. Lead Singer Alex Burnett has a truly startling voice which on its own can entrance an audience. The group emanates melodies which inspire and an energy that refreshes. They closed their set with current Triple J favourite Animals which showcased their brilliant ability to electrify the audience. Being their first visit to Margaret River the band delivered a performance which guarantees they will be a welcome sight should they choose to return.

The Thrills were always going to be the highlight of the evening. The fact that the band had chosen to include Margaret River on their Australian tour was a huge privilege to their intuitive posse of fans. They took to the stage and captivated the audience for the entirety of their set. Each song was a delightful delivery of splendid indie-rock melodies and chocolate milk beats. The Irish lads delivered a perfect mix of songs from their So Much for This City and Let’s Bottle Bohemia albums as well as 2007 album Teenager.

Frontman Connor Deasy’s onstage presence is superb. His vocal deliverance is impeccable, his subtle movements alluring.

The group as a five piece create pure magic. They are an eccentric fivesome who effortlessly exude charisma. They are dressed in paisley patterned shirts, grandpa hats and brown leather shoes. Their sound is lying in a field on a warm day watching clouds transform.

Crowd favourites included Big Sur, Santa Cruz, a moving Not for All the Love and crowd pleaser One Horse Town. The quintet glided through a pleasing set which had the audience on their feet dancing to the delivery of infectious beats and luscious melodies.

After their exit from the stage The Thrills received enthusiastic cheers for an encore. They returned to perform the hit Whatever Happened to Corey Haim? The crowd are in a state of bliss. They are stoked.

Following their set, the band was at ease mingling with elated fans signing playlists and posing for photographs. The Irish boys have no ego about them. They are your best mate you haven’t seen in years, they are your favourite high school teacher.

The Irish can gatecrash anytime.

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