On the eve of Friday night, the cozy confines of Petersham Bowling Club’s intimate downstairs room were charged with eager anticipation as Pop Filter, hailing from Naarm/Melbourne, took centre stage to launch their latest album, ‘CONO‘. This release stands as a testament to the band’s dynamic evolution and collaborative spirit, with a lineup that includes members from The Ocean Party, Cool Sounds, and Snowy Band—featuring Lachlan Denton, Curtis Wakeling, Jordan Thompson, Nick Kearton, Liam Halliwell, and Mark Rogers.
The night kicked off with a burst of energy as the soulful tunes of The Brights filled the room, immediately setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Hailing from Gadigal/Sydney, The Brights have been carving out their niche with a distinctive blend of folk and alt-country indie rock.
Pop Filter’s ‘CONO’ is praised for its refusal to fade into the background, demanding attention from start to finish and unveiling itself as a complete & masterful journey. These sentiments lingered in the air as the first notes reverberated through the room, confirming that the live performance was indeed a testament to the album’s compelling artistry. The audience was drawn into Pop Filter’s world, where each song unfolded with precision, leaving an indelible mark on the walls of PBC.
The band’s sound is distinctive and diverse, with each track possessing a unique identity. This diversity shone brightly during the live rendition, with each member contributing their own starlight moments—a perfect composition. Pop Filter’s witty and radiant personality was on full display during the performance, complementing their immense talent.
My own anticipation was high for live renditions of standout tracks like ‘Everything Must Go‘, where Nick’s distinct Australian accent blended seamlessly with the band’s backing vocals— a literal rendition of poetry in motion. ‘Fighting Spirit‘, lived up to expectations, showcasing Jordan’s incredible voice and the perfect balance of talent and angst in the soft rock vibes, it was seriously beautiful.
In summary, Pop Filter’s album launch unfolded as a beautifully orchestrated set that resonated perfectly within the intimate PBC, creating an atmosphere that felt distinctly personal, akin to a gathering of friends around a bonfire, a collective musical journey shared among kindred spirits.
Pop Filter’s CONO Tour Dates:
Sunday, Dec 17 – The Bridge, Dja Dja Warrung (Castlemaine, VIC) – *Free Entry
Monday, Dec 18 – The Merrie Creek Tavern, Naarm (Melbourne, VIC)
