Words by Sam Elliott and Matilda Elliott.

Before setting off for the UK, Johnny Hunter gave us a raw, entrancing and frankly sweaty trio of shows at Low302 in Surry Hills. We were lucky to catch the first cab off the rank, or should we say British taxi…maybe not.

Johnny Hunter. A single person’s name of an enigmatic band that we've paid a very close eye on since 2018. At that time, we still both had long, brown hair, were living at home in the Blue Mountains, and were a year or so into getting our teeth into some new gigs after having our first ever gig experiences in 2017. We would take a faithful train to any gig in the city almost every weekend thereafter.

So much has changed for us since that time. Though we no longer both share long brown hair, or live at home in the Mountains, or take the Mountains train home, we are still absolutely enamoured by the music and performances that come from Johnny Hunter. As time has passed, we have seen new additions to the band, and more tracks exploring the depth and range of emotions, symbolism and the power of self-reflection taking a greater impact on those around you, because, after all, we are just people trying to make sense of our ever-changing world.

***Us enjoying a Johnny Hunter show with the biggest smiles in 2018, picture by the incredible Dani Hansen.***

Johnny Hunter has evolved and grown with their music and as people in general. In recent times, they have announced that they will be packing up and making their way from Australia to the UK to continue their ascent to becoming household names, casting their net far and wide. Although selfishly, we were devastated at the news, we couldn’t be more excited for them, and of course a little jealous that now, people who are well and truly across the pond get to see them a lot more often than us.

Before they left us Aussies, we were given three shows at Low302 in Surry Hills, which had sold out well and truly before their respective nights. As previously mentioned, we were lucky enough to get tickets to night one of their three-night residency.

The other reason the band were here was not only for their sendaway, but also for the launch of their newest single, Frustration. We already are waiting with bated breath to see on streaming services so we can belt the words back.

We were blessed with not only Frustration as their newest gift to the audience members, but another fresh song they had performed live for us punters. This one is called Ok Ok Ok. Admittedly, one of our favourites of the night. We felt the song was adjacent in quick beats and whirring instrumentals which felt almost like a dream-like answer to The Prodigy’s punchy style of tunes, at our first listen live, this will probably evolve next time we get a chance to hear this one.

Another moment that captured us was a cover. Not something we’d ever seen with this band and we were given a bloody treat. A Johnny Hunter cover of Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance. It was as if the pop princess was reinvented through the raucous crafted energy of the Johnny Hunter band. Nicks's deep bellowy tones sat effortlessly with the band's rocksteady sounds and punchy beats. The punters had no other choice but to be entranced by the control frontman Nick had over the audience as he whirred “I want it bad, your bad romance.”

Delving more into the aura and sensations we felt that night, we can always count on enjoying the crowd in a Johnny Hunter set. Everyone was hanging word for word, many singing right back at the band, a testament to the music leaving a lasting impact. From punks with tattoos on their skulls, to giddy people caught up in the madness, to the previously uptight tight-lipped punter with their arms folded firmly - no one is safe from the charming and enduring lyrics of Johnny Hunter. The people of all different placements became bewitched through the anthem of connectivity and solace that it is fine to be human. “Stand down face your fears and cry like a man” belted by Johnny Hunter, chorused by punters soothed many this night, with a slight sting that it would potentially be the last time a lot of these people would hear this affirmation from Johnny Hunter live.

All in all, we were energised and reinvigorated by Johnny Hunter. It was a night to see the band off in style. We felt the sincerity of the band and their love for their audience which felt like many were good friends and family to the band.

The night became a mix of old and new, combining sentimentality with a big portion of hope for the future, whilst we ruminate on the many joyous memories soundtracked with Johnny Hunter. We also cannot wait for what’s next. If the new tracks are anything to go by, we are ready for the wild surging of Johnny Hunter.

Bon voyage Johnny Hunter! Thank you for all the fun times in Aus. We will have to catch you over in the EU sometime.