DAVEY LANE – THE CURTIN – MELBOURNE – 28.08.2025
Review: Craig Eriksson. Photos: David Harris
Expecting a large crowd, we arrived early at The Curtin in Lygon Street Carlton to nab a prime spot to see acclaimed musician and songwriter Davey Lane and his band perform as part of his ‘Finally, a Party’ Tour 2025. We’re all huge fans of Davey Lane as he is the lead guitarist and backing vocals in one of our favourite Australian bands growing up, You Am I.
Former frontman of the Melbourne indie rock band 67 Special, Ash Santilla opened the show. Ash is a one-man band, singer and guitar shredder and like Davey, is also under the Cheersquad record label. His single ‘Nighcrawler’ has had some success in launching his solo career.
Also stemming from Melbourne, Tambourine Jesus were on next with their sonic blend of indie rock, funk, and even a taste of jazz. I’ve seen this band before, but tonight their music was different. I found them mesmerising, infectious and a bit trippy. They were all wearing car racing suits and during their set, lead singer and guitarist James Gilligan commented “It’s bloody hot in these suits.” (Crowd laughs). Their musicianship was incredible and including a saxophonist really added to the eclectic sounds they created, almost giving it a Groove Armada, chillout vibe at times.
Davey Lane walks through the crowd and makes his way up on to the stage. As always, he has a very distinctive cool look and swagger. He seriously looks like he has just stepped out of a Tarantino film with his shades, large sideburns and Elvis-like slicked back hair. Davey is such a fun and quirky guy throughout the show and clearly a perfectionist when it comes to his music.
Davey was brilliant and nourished us with 8 of the 10 songs from his technicolour new album, Finally, A Party Album, which was released on 15 August 2025 on Wally ‘The Meanies’ Kempton – Cheersquad Records & Tapes label. Wally was there for the launch mixing it up with the fans and encouraging them to grab a copy of the new album from the merch stand.
Davey opened the show with REMEDIES and right from the get go this new song took fans on a musical journey. The intro is reminiscent of Pink Floyd featuring Davey’s dreamy vocals and sonic guitar riffs. The groove of this song gradually builds as Davey starts playing a heavy riff while the bass player has locked in beautifully with the drummer, who is thumping the skins like his life depends on it. Accompanied by a keyboardist who is playing with such emotion, added a rich and warm tone to the song. An impressive tune to kick start the evening! Next was the upbeat SAINT ME, where Talei Wolfgramm joined them on stage for backing vocals and cowbell. Davey plays a strong ‘Seven Nation Army’ type riff that has a deep, bass-like sound. His vocals on this one were strong and showcased his significant vocal range.
A fan favourite judging by the crowd singing along was WITCH IN MY MIND from Davey Lane’s debut album Atonally Young (2014). A few others faves were BIGGEST STAR and THIS IS HELL from the I’m Gonna Burn Out Bright (2017) album. But tonight was all about the exciting new album. OVER, OVER & OUT is a slower song and Davey’s vocals absolutely shine along with his guitar work on this track. Davey talked about the loss of a friend and lamenting that he didn’t find the right words for them. He then welcomed Julian Banks, the saxophonist from Tambourine Jesus on stage for FLIPPANT WORDS. A very powerful, emotional ballad with Talei’s strong backing vocals and a wonderful sax solo giving the song a rich, heartfelt vibe. Lane then led into GOD, I’M FUCKED UP OVER YOU.
The enigmatic Angus Leslie from Sex On Toast joined them on stage for NOT EXPECTING TO FLY and Nitida Atkinson from Don’t Thank Me Spank Me (DTMSM) who co-wrote and co-sang AN ABSENT LOVER was a special guest and absolutely carved up the Curtin with her powerful vocals and dance moves. HE’S A DJ was the last new song of the evening before Davey finished the show with a few older songs from his past solo albums. NOT AN OPTION NOW from Atonally Young (2014) and YOU’RE THE COPS, I’M THE CRIME from The Good Borne of Bad Tymes EP (2013).
The evening concluded with ACCEPTANCE from Don’t Bank Your Heart On It (2020) which is a huge synth rock song where the lyrical theme deals with navigating anxiety and relationship breakdown, moving towards a state of acceptance. The whole band seemed to launch to another stratosphere on this song and James Fleming on keys totally rocked it.
Having listened to Davey Lane’s fourth solo album Finally, A Party Record numerous times now and hearing the songs live, this new release is wonderful. Read more about the album here. https://australianmusician.com.au/davey-lanes-4th-album-finally-a-party-record-out-today/
Davey Lane band:
Davey Lane – Lead Vocals / guitar
James Fleming – Keys / backing vocals
Sam Raines – Drums
Luke Hodgson – Bass
Talei Wolfgramm –Backing vocals
SET LIST:
Remedies
Saint Me
Witch In My Mind
Over, Over & Out
Biggest Star
Flippant Words (joined by saxophonist Julian Banks from Tambourine Jesus)
God, I’m Fucked Up Over You
Not Expecting To Fly (featuring Angus Leslie from Sex On Toast)
You’re The Cops, I’m The Crime
An Absent Lover (featuring Nitida Atkinson from Don’t Thank Me Spank Me (DTMSM)
He’s A DJ
Not An Option Now
This is Hell
Acceptance
