On a cool Thursday evening in Hobart, Australian independent super-group, Bleak Squad cruised into town, much to the delight of a solid 240+ mid-week crowd who had gathered on the strength of the one album the band has thus far released, Strange Love.

The band consists of Adalita Srsen (Magic Dirt), Mick Harvey (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Birthday Party and P.J. Harvey) , Mick Turner (The Moodists, The Dirty Three and Mess Esque) and Marty Brown (Art Of Fighting) – a pedigree not lost on most in attendance. Strange Love has been one of the finest releases of the past year, and the Tasmanian audience was ready to have their share of this band in the live arena.

The band set the mood right from the start with single, and title track, Strange Love kicking off proceedings. Every song from the album had its’ moment, with the sublime Blue Signs a standout for this listener, however it was a few other surprises which had me pricking my ears even more keenly.

The first was the wonderful cover of Mick Harvey and Amanda Acevedo’s version of Jackson C. Frank’s Cover Me In Roses, a song Adalita loved and wanted to cover. The next two were two songs which we were informed were part of an upcoming sophomore album, which was very welcome news indeed.

The two songs were Black Magic and Just For Fun, and both show that the new album will be one to look out for. It also shows that this is no whimsical collaboration between four like-minded musicians, but a bond to an enduring musical friendship.

The band were, as expected, completely on song. There is an air of comfortability between each of the musicians, and their ability to swap and change instruments was remarkable. Mick Harvey and Marty Brown swapped and changed between keys and drums with ease, showcasing their versatility, while Mick Turner’s guitar work was luxurious and tinged with both tenderness and majesty.

I must also make special mention of Adalita’s vocals. Her voice, if anything, seems to be improving with age, and is perfectly suited to the sombre, noir-style of the music the band produce. There is a pervasive melancholy which is highly comforting for the listener, drawing you into the narrative of each and every song she has the lead in.

A two song encore is performed after the crowd call the band back (showcasing the aforementioned Just For Fun) before they all move out to the merch table at the end of the evening to mix and chat with a large proportion of the crowd as their shirts, CD’s and LP’s moved swiftly off of the table.

Here’s hoping that the band aren’t off the table for Hobart for much longer.

Set List:

Strange Love
Safe As Houses
Suitcase In Berlin
Everything Must Change
Blue Signs
Cover Me In Roses
Let Go Of Love
World Go To Hell
Ghost Of The Bad Humour Man
Black Magic
Lost My Head
Melanie

Encore

Black & White
Just For Fun

Bleak Squad Gallery: (click on images to see full size)

Many thanks to the band, Dave Laing PR and Altar Bar for access to the show.

All images, including feature image: ©fullonrockphotography/Andrew Fuller

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