Reviewed by: Glam Adelaide
Review by Ben Stefanoff | 03 March 2024
Australia has produced some of the most memorable and epic music hits over the years. It’s easy to forget how many bangers there are until you have some of the biggest numbers jam-packed into a show like Mixtape Australia. The vocally sublime Michelle Pearson leads her tight band and backing vocalists through a sixty-minute journey of an epic collection of artists and bands. It’s amazing how many numbers can be crammed into sixty minutes, but Pearson has showcased a very impressive snapshot of the most influential songs from the Australian music industry. Pearson delivered great insight into several of the numbers, drawing the audience’s attention to why certain pieces are considered influential. In particular, the backstory to Blow Up the Pokies by The Whitlams was extremely moving, as was that of Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil. There are so many wonderful moments in Mixtape Australia, but a crowd favourite was definitely the medley of Daddy Cool’s Eagle Rock, The Angels’ Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?, INXS’ Never Tear us Apart, John Farnham’s You’re The Voice, and Daryl Braithwaite’s The Horses, where everyone was encouraged to sing along. The only issue with this show was the audio. Like most live band shows during Fringe time, sound check time is very limited. It was unfortunate the bass was rather low in the mix and the treble gain was very high in the vocal mix, resulting in a very top-heavy mix. Mixtape Australia is a wonderful celebration of the greatest Australian music, musicians and artists, presented by an exceptionally talented South Australian band and one of Adelaide’s best vocalists.