I arrived at The Garrison with very few expectations overall, and absolutely zero knowledge of the openers Tigertown. The Aussie trio was already well into their set, with a growing crowd becoming more and more captivated. Led by Charlie's warm smile and infectious energy, their mix of electronic elements and Chris' guitar worked wonders, getting the dance groove going while leaving room for extended solos and singalongs. Their chemistry was almost immediately palpable, and as it turns out today is Charlie and Chris' seven year anniversary, lending greater insight into songs like "Papernote" and "Come My Way." They even shared a new song they had only just written the day before, and whether slow or upbeat, their songs were always warm and fun. Finally they announced their last song, "Lonely Cities" which absolutely rocked and cemented me as a new fan. Tigertown and the crowd showed their appreciation for each other, as we waited for Great Good Fine OK to take the stage.
After quite the extensive set up was complete (nearly a dozen guitar effect pedals, a keyboard, drum pad, drum set, laptop and 3 mics), dozens of flashing multicolour disco-ball ring lights were given to the crowd. Russ, Danny and Luke then took to the stage, the latter throwing glow sticks to half the crowd. They then started their first song "Already Love," to which Jon made his grand entrance with light up shoes and his trademark kimono, throwing more glow sticks to the other half. It didn't take long for the crowd to be swept up in the incredible, uplifting and funky energy the foursome was pouring out. Jon's vocals were as wonderful and emotive as ever, Russ wailed away on the guitar, effecting it in seemingly infinite ways, while Luke orchestrated the complex arrangements and Danny delivered dance ready drum rhythms. Luke's incredible ability was on full display during "By My Side" as he worked between the pads with four sticks, the keyboard and eventually the keytar. This crowd favourite was followed by a brand new unreleased song, led by some special guitar work from Russ.
By this time everyone was sufficiently warmed up, which led to some spectacular solos, particularly in "Bring You Back." It saw the both the guitar and keytar play rivaling solos, as the former leaned out into the ravenous audience, even allowing one fan to lick the guitar mid-solo. The love and fun continued to climb as the foursome moved through their newest releases, "Holding You," "Always," and "Find Yourself." In spite of it's name, "Too Much To Handle" had the crowd demanding more, bringing GGFO back out for an incredible encore of "Get Away," to which Jon ingeniously included lines from their Chainsmokers collab "Let You Go." As the four took their final bows, amidst an extended applause with hooting and hollering, some of us in the crowd we left stunned. Their set was everything I could've hoped for and more. It was the perfect mix of strong sing-along content, deliriously delightful dance grooves and just down right magical music. Without a doubt I'll be eagerly awaiting Great Good Find OK's return to their "favourite place on earth."
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