The crowd at Anita’s Theatre got more than they anticipated when they arrived to see the Psychadelic Furs at the end of last month when the charismatic Johnny Hunter band took to the stage and the room exploded with their brand of energetic pop/punk music with more than a nod to the 80s.
This reviewer was lucky to spend some time before and after the show with the boys from this exciting Sydney band. Completely charming and excited to be supporting an act they look up to in the Psychadelic Furs, the green room was filled with nervous but controlled energy. Singer Nick Hutt ventured a look through the curtain at the waiting audience and returned with the assumption that perhaps Johnny Hunter wouldn’t be well received. He couldn’t have been more wrong. Despite his apprehension, Nick took to the stage and owned it. Johnny Hunter had the crowd easily won over in under half a song.
The five piece delivered their set loaded with energy and filled with Nick’s trademark fist pumping moves. I spotted the Furs side of stage completely mesmerised by the young support band, and well they should have been. It was such an incredible set and they delivered everything that their EPs had promised. Chatting later to the Furs, the international 80s icons enquired as to who is Johnny Hunter? Nick explained that they are all Johnny Hunter…how very cool…and how grateful was I not to have called any of them Johnny up to that point!
Loitering around the lobby after their set, I was pleased to see a steady stream of new fans buying their vinyl EP, Want, and chatting enthusiastically with the band members. Speaking of recordings, Johnny Hunter is headed back into the studio and I for one, can’t wait to see what the next album will be.
Keep an eye on all the usual social channels for upcoming tour dates, this is an act you simply must see.
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