Central Coast singer-songwriter BOY SODA is one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the local scene in recent years, and he certainly proved why at a sold-out Black Bear Lodge in Brisbane on Saturday night. It was the second show of his three-date Lil Obsession Tour after playing Melbourne last week, supported by Rahel and TANISHA.

The tour comes off the back of claiming an ARIA award for the Best Soul/R&B Release for his debut album SOULSTAR, which dropped last October. Suffice it to say, Brisbane fans were eager to finally hear the new tracks live for the first time – and boy, did SODA make it worth the wait.

Unfortunately, this writer regrets to inform you that they missed the opening set from TANISHA. However, they listened to their music afterwards and you should, too! We particularly recommend the latest single “Reprieve”, which you can see performed live here.

Credit: Cary Roulston

Rahel took to the stage with a three-piece band and three backing vocalists, a cramped setup for a venue as intimate as Black Bear. Nonetheless, she certainly found a way to shine with her silken vocals weaving between soulful grooves and ethereal harmonies. Slow singalongs with the occasional switch-up kept the crowd swaying and a moving finale inspired by a recent reading of the Holy Bible primed them for the spiritual experience of what was to come.

You know you’re in for a good time when the band walks out wearing sunglasses indoors… at night. BOY SODA joined the four-piece after an extended intro to “Hit the Road” with the energy of a festival set. The funky rhythms had everybody’s stank-face on by the end of the first song before local Dean Brady jumped up on stage to literally share the mic for “4K”, shortly followed by the band’s Like a Version of the pop-punk classic “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! at the Disco.

Credit: Cary Roulston

It’s clear that BOY SODA is an intellectual from the anecdotes between songs, shedding a light on our unhealthy media diet before going into single “Blink Twice”. But he also knows when not to take himself too seriously and the banter with the crowd kept the room engaged all night. A live premiere of unreleased track “Chase Your Tail” passed the road test, largely thanks to a synth solo emulating Dr Dre.

“PM” proved to be a fan favourite and the erratic drum breaks of a later song gave the band a chance to flex their creative muscles. Hands were clapping, feet were tapping and hips were gyrating the whole time, and it looked like BOY SODA was having just as much fun on stage. A lengthy speech expressing his gratitude for the widely successful past year led into catchy closer “Lil’ Obsession”, sending everybody home with full hearts and smiles on their faces.

If you live in Sydney and want a taste of this experience, get your tickets to the final show at Heaps Normal Health Club on Saturday 28 March. Follow BOY SODA on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected.

FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)

Photo credit: Cary Roulston