Once again, 27 Club is here to bring us another electrifying rock tribute act to light up the festival season,.

This eight-member group pays homage to legendary musicians who passed away by the age of 27 - thus immortalized as “the 27 Club”.

Headlined by the talents of vocalists Sarah McLeod, Carla Lippis, and Kevin Mitchell, this is a show tailor-made for any self-respecting rock and roll fan. A curated selection of covers pays tributes to the likes of Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Jimmy Hendrix. In between songs, the band occasionally inserts anecdotes exploring the history and people behind the music - carefully avoiding any glamorisation of the artists' often tragic lives.

The passion and reverence for these musicians is undeniable; every singer brings their own brand of vocal acuity and gusto to every cover. One personal highlight was Sarah McLeod’s incredible renditions of Janis Joplin’s classic hits including Bobby McGee and Cry Baby; even a broken foot wrapped in a cast couldn't slow down her raw rock vocals. The crowd was clearly on board for the ride, with countless people singing and dancing away to each new tune. 

The guitar work is an impressive ensemble of instrumental skill; Mitchell and co effortlessly switch from rock and roll bangers to slower acoustic numbers without missing a single note. 

In between acts, the vocalists swap places on a sofa tucked into a corner of the stage, an endearing addition to the set design. There is a certain sweetness in the way these musicians interact with each other that never feels stale or forced.

As undeniable as the talent and chemistry on stage was, I felt the venue choice may not have supported the group to their fullest potential. The early start time of 6:30 left many of the crowd basking in the sun's glare. This further hindered the lighting effects the technical crew had rigged on stage. Audience members at the back also had to navigate grandstands that were heavily caked in mud (ironically on point with the energetic grunge covers).

On a minor note, certain song transitions came with an unexpected tonal shift, notably where a sobering ballad by Amy Winehouse is immediately followed up by the much more upbeat Roadhouse Blues by The Doors. Both are impressive covers that could have benefited from the same anecdotal transitions utilized throughout the rest of the performance.

27 Club ultimately brings a strong performance, powerful vocals and soaring talent to the Gluttony stage. You’d be hard-pressed to find a group that will rock harder at this year’s Fringe.

FOUR STARS ****