Live Review: The Jezabels

Since the release of their debut album, Prisoner, much has changed for Sydney band The Jezabels, who have taken their indie-pop sound to stages across Europe and America. With a string of awards in their back pocket and more stories to tell, it seems only fitting their romantic tale has led them to the Sydney Opera House.

As the crowd prepared themselves for the blistering vocals of lead singer, Hayley Mary, they were instead met with the ominous and deep sounds from Opera House's Grand Organ as classically trained keyboardist, Heather Shannon, commenced a performance of her own composition. While the enormity of this moment could be lost on some, it was later revealed that the talented Sydneysiders were moved to tears.

Just as the room had mellowed to the low sounds of the pipe organ, the four-piece shook the walls and burst on stage to perform The Brink and crowd favourite, Endless Summer.  The vocals of, Mary are undoubtedly brilliant. To make any musical comparison would seem foolish as her unique stage presence and wide vocal range are in their own race – and winning.  A running highlight from Mary was the dance moves she exhibited on stage. While seemingly shy when she spoke to the crowd, she let her hips do the talking, with one patron even being treated to a lap dance.

With a captivating light show to illuminate the band, they paid homage to their early EPs with the track, Mace Spray, before delighting fans with songs from their current album, The Brink, including The End and Time To Dance. As they left the stage, the crowd clapped until their hands were red to celebrate a local band that's soaring to new heights and wearing out their dancing shoes in the process.