The Preatures at Hoxton Square Bar

Aussie rock ‘n’ rollers The Preatures emerged in 2011 and are currently acclaimed around the globe for their infectious single Is This How You Feel. Their second EP of the same title was recorded in the band’s DIY Sydney studio and, featuring new single Manic Baby, it could easily be one of the best EPs of 2013. Taking their influences from Prince, Nick Cave, The Talking Heads and “anyone silly”, their resulting sound is a glorious, Haim-esque fusion of rock, country and R&B.

Tonight the Hoxton Square bar is jam-packed with a largely diverse crowd of hipster teens and middle-aged workers, united for one night only in their admiration of the Sydney five-piece. Frontwoman Isabella Manfredi emerges onto the stage sporting a Pretenders t-shirt, with the band bathed in a dim red glow. Shaking her black hair as she pogos about the stage, stripping off her t-shirt and pouring water over her head, Manfredi has a captivating stage presence and embodies the classic female rock star. Her occasionally fierce, Joan Jett-style vocals effortlessly magnetise the crowd; Is This How You Feel has the audience bopping along, singing the words of the catchy, hooky melody “I wanna know, is this how you feel?” back at her.

Guitarist and fellow vocalist Gideon Bensen takes the lead on other numbers, his 70s style gritty, growling vocals creating a pleasurable contrast with Manfredi’s sweeter, softer voice. The energetic pair are fun to watch as they insist endearingly that the other goes first: “You go”, “No, you go”, “You’re too polite for your own good”. Latest single Manic Baby goes down a treat with the crowd who let loose and rock out with Manfredi, jumping along to the funky guitar motif.

Tonight’s show-goers would agree that this lovable five-piece are really onto something, and we can’t wait to see them explode with their debut album due in 2014. The Preatures are ones to watch.

Gemma Whitfield
Photos: Adam Bennett

 For further information and future events visit The Preatures’ website here.

Watch the video for Is This How You Feel here: