Live Review: Broods, Moby Rich

“How many of you don’t know who the fuck we are?” asks LA-based duo Moby Rich. As a relatively new band there’s not a lot who do, however they quickly change this with their addictive guitar melodies and catchy vocals.

The self-confessed goofy Americans tell us that they only started this band three years ago, so they’re overwhelmed to be here with us on the other side of the planet. With an EP already under their belt and new single Sabotage - a super catchy song that’s reminiscent of Grouplove's fun, energetic sound - their infectious hooks and euphoric vibe are sure to win over some new fans Down Under. They even throw in a cover of Weezer’s Say It Ain’t So.

Moby Rich. Photos by Monique Pizzica

A voiceover broadcast is disrupted by a mysterious creature and Broods take to the stage to begin their show, which is underpinned musically and lyrically by the story of their colourful escape from the jaws of the Pop Monster. They kick off with the first track, Sucker, from their latest record, Don’t Feed The Pop Monster. Despite their new material breaking away from conventional or mainstream blockbuster pop, it’s still bursting with the exhilarating and charismatic elements that we’ve grown to love about this band. It’s clear that this new direction comes on their own terms.

Broods. Photos by Monique Pizzica.

Lead vocalist Georgia Nott is confident and charismatic tonight, wearing a flapper-style dress that enhances her dance moves. Meanwhile, her brother Caleb Nott drives the production elements from his station in a trendy pair of bright orange sunglasses and a matching beanie. There’s no need for any fancy visual production for this show – there’s a simple backdrop that allows their music to blossom without any distractions. They dive into To Belong, which has a huge emotional build-up of choral harmonies and a haunting undertone of thumping instrumentals.

Broods add a few old favourites to the set, including Superstar, freshly reproduced to give the song a whole new life. Too Proud is the most drastically different track of the performance, largely due to the fact that it’s the first song from the siblings that has Caleb Nott taking the lead on vocals. It’s a hugely emotional moment for them and one that makes us wonder why they haven’t switched things up earlier. He’s got some great vocals to add to the mix.

Georgia Nott picks up an acoustic guitar for some of their slower numbers, Falling Apart and Dust, and then brings it right back up and cuts loose on the tambourine for upbeat, '90s-inspired jam Old Dog. Their set has a great pace right through to the end. We dance through the glittery future-disco track Hospitalized and bouncy number Peach, and before we know it, we reach the one-song encore - an unexpected old favourite, Couldn’t Believe. It's a powerhouse track, the perfect euphoric exit, and one last punch thrown at the Pop Monster.