CHEEKY LEASH - LETS GOOOO!!!
Not every day do two 37-year-olds get to say they’ve followed an up-and-coming band right from the beginning, but that’s exactly how we feel about Cheeky Leash.We loved their sound so much that last year we packed up the kids and travelled to Wanderer Festival in Pambula just to see them on the lineup. They played in a tiny caravan setup in front of what I’d estimate was about 50 people, yet somehow they were still our act of the festival.
Fast forward 12 months and we were standing at The Baso in Canberra, excited to see them again. The band has exploded in popularity over the last year, but we weren't quite sure what to expect from the crowd. Canberra can be unpredictable when it comes to turnout and atmosphere. One thing we did know, though, was that when we first discovered Cheeky Leash, we had a feeling they were going to blow up quickly.
Fifteen minutes after doors opened, The Baso was already looking relatively full. It immediately set the mood and was an encouraging sign of just how much fanfare Cheeky Leash now attracts.
As the lads walked onto the stage, the room quickly filled in around them. The opening song "Feel us Now" felt a little subdued, almost as if both band and crowd were feeling each other out. Perhaps it wasn't the ideal opener. But as soon as song number two, "Falling", kicked in and frontman Chris Mott shouted two simple words, "LET'S GO!", everything changed.
The crowd was all in.
And so were Cheeky Leash.
This was the band we've come to love. Catchy indie Surf rock bangers, infectious hooks and an energy that instantly transforms a room. The crowd began bouncing, singing along and feeding off every ounce of momentum coming from the stage.
Chris Mott possesses one of the most distinctive voices in Australian indie music right now. It's difficult to put into words. Soft, smooth and soothing, his vocals somehow manage to create the ultimate summer soundtrack while remaining completely unique. His voice is a huge part of what defines the band's sound.
The chemistry between the four members is equally impressive. Chris Mott (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Brody Blackman (lead guitar), Brad Heffernan (bass) and Jayden Cano (drums) all bring their own personality to the stage. No one overpowers the other. They genuinely seem to thrive off each other's energy.
Their banter was spot on too. Engaging without becoming overbearing. Every member contributed, and each showed plenty of charisma. Jayden casually sipping from his enormous 3-litre drink bottle throughout the set became an unexpected highlight. It's surprisingly rare to see every member of a band command attention in their own way, and it's refreshing when it happens.
Musically, there's something slightly different about Cheeky Leash. The interplay between the guitars, driving drums and Chris's unmistakable vocals creates a sound that immediately stands apart from many of their contemporaries.
What's perhaps most impressive is how quickly they've assembled a catalogue of songs that simply make people move. Their tracks are packed with singalong moments and choruses that seem made for sweaty packed venues.
Highlights from the night included "Lock My Stare", "SOS", "Falling", "Change", "Thrill" and "Red". The layered backing vocals throughout "Change" sounded fantastic live, while "LET'S GO!" became the unofficial catchphrase of the evening. What started as a call to arms quickly turned into a running joke between the band and the crowd, with everyone fully embracing it.
Judging by the reaction inside The Baso, Cheeky Leash's rise is only just beginning.
We genuinely believe they have the potential to become one of Australia's biggest bands over the next few years. If they continue writing great songs and building on this momentum, who knows how far they can go.
Do yourself a favour and give their latest album, How Much Love Have I Got Left, a spin.
Better yet, catch them live.
Cheeky Leash are currently taking their headline tour across Australia and New Zealand, and it is one show you won't want to miss. These rising stars are well and truly on their way.
Photo's by Alicia flood - Instagram aliciaflood_media
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