Review by Jeff Smith – Performance Date: Friday 18 October, Hindley Street Music Hall
The Deluge 2024 National Tour
One of Australia’s newest bands, Fanning Dempsey National Park fronted by two of our most treasured musicians Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger) and Paul Dempsey (Something for Kate) brought its The Deluge tour to ‘The Kingdom’ with an epic genre defying performance in the intimate surrounds of the Hindley Street Music Hall.
The set signalled a new chapter for Fanning and Dempsey proudly bringing The Deluge album to life along with a selection of ‘covers’ from both musicians’ eras peppered with 80’s anthems that showcased incredible musicianship and a deep love for musical heroes, Tears for Fears and David Bowie.
More than a Side Project
Fanning Dempsey National Park is much more than a side project from two men who have achieved the highest accolades in Australian music. The Deluge is already on its way to becoming a classic, and it’s in a live setting that the record truly shines.
The songs find a new dimension thanks to a live band and some of the finest musicianship I have seen in recent times. Fanning proudly announces that tonight’s Adelaide performance is the bands third show in history. This is hard to believe given what is unfolding tonight.
Genuine Musical Chemistry
At the heart of Fanning Dempsey National Park is a natural chemistry between Fanning and Dempsey. Every note, move and harmony are based on a genuine respect and friendship. This is evident tonight with the stage banter and stories about memories of Adelaide. The excitement for the project is truly infectious as both men note the joy and happiness that fills the Hindley Street Music Hall.
Classics
Amongst tracks from The Deluge fans were treated to classics from Something for Kate, Powderfinger along with staples from Dempsey and Fanning’s solo careers.
Fan favourites Monsters, Pick You Up, Ramona Was a Waitress and Wish You Well all received the duo treatment tonight and were wildly received.
Covers of the iconic Tears For Fears, Rule The World and Queen’s Under Pressure truly lifted the roof off Hindley Street Music Hall and added to sheer elation in the room.
A Gig for the Ages
It’s a rare opportunity to witness a both Fanning and Dempsey in such an intimate space and at the beginning of the Fanning Dempsey National Park project. This gig had a sense of occasion about it and an unspoken understanding that the audience was experiencing something truly special. What is more exciting is that this is just the start.
Image credit: Jeff Smith
