Live Review: Wanderers

Wanderers frontman Dusty Lee Stephensen took to the stage in a bright red jacket, matching red guitar and an Electric Light Orchestra T-shirt. The Adelaide band had a fresh new single to launch, Make It On My Own, and were ably supported by fellow locals SlowMango and Bermuda Bay. Their efforts had the enthusiastic crowd of fans and newcomers fired up from the get-go.

Windows behind the stage let in coloured lighting from the new Adelaide University building. Drummer Matt Birkin, rocking a Planet Hollywood tee, was almost hidden on the small stage but played flawlessly. 

Opening song What I Do was greatly enhanced by the addition of saxophone player, Jason McMahon, who hung around for much of the show and even added extra keys on one track. On keyboards were regular touring members Logan Watt and Jack Strempel, the latter performing an impressive solo mid-set that “made the whole room pregnant, even the dudes”, according to Stephensen.

After a few songs, the small space at the front of the dancefloor was filled by fans who embraced the funky sounds coming from the stage. The addition of saxophone to singalong Loco boosted the vibe enormously and had the dancefloor pumping. The crowd was feeling the love and giving it back in spades. While the new material, including Make It On My Own, sounded sublime, it was last year’s Off My Back that had everyone singing along and clearly remains a favourite.

Stephensen was the true star of the show. His natural charisma, cool guitar riffs and amazing voice lifted the group beyond being just a talented bunch of musicians. At one point he even came down onto the floor and sang with a member of the audience (who was clearly an accomplished singer herself) – a highlight of the set.