Confidence Man @ Uni Stylus, Leeds.
Published On: 24/11/2022
I first saw Confidence Man perform Live at Leeds in the Park, near the end of June. After watching them, my friend and I turned to each other, and we both nodded. We knew we had to see them again. Their charismatic character, catchy lyrics and all-consuming energy had captivated us completely. As soon as we heard the Australian indie electro-pop band were doing a UK Tour this autumn, we booked tickets immediately (and thank goodness we did, because it sold out in ten minutes!) Everyone was as excited as we were for their return to Leeds, Stylus was overflowing with buzzing bodies - I was grateful we got there early and secured a barrier spot.
It seemed that most members of the audience had gig FOMO from watching their phenomenal Glastonbury set on BBC iPlayer, or like us, saw them at Live at Leeds and craved more. (I was envious of those who hadn’t heard or seen them before – they had no idea of what marvellous treat they were in for.)
Raw Silk, the band’s supporting DJs, got us warmed-up with about an hour’s worth of funky tunes and pulsing beats. They played a nice variety of genres and mixes, from nu-disco to old school techno. The drinks were flowing, and people were grooving - it was going to be a good night.
Soft blue lighting illuminated the stage, it kept flickering on occasion to tease us. But then at precisely 9:02pm, everything went black, and the famous introduction of the ‘Macarena’ boomed from the speakers - provoking cheers and giggles, our moods instantly elevated. Reggie Goodchild and Clarence McGuffie entered stage during the chorus, waving enthusiastically beneath their enormous beekeeper hats, before getting themselves comfortable behind their synth player and drum kit. They promptly kicked off with upbeat ‘Toy Boy’ - as Janet Planet and Sugar Bones slowly strutted on stage, sparking huge applause. The iconic duo were sporting black power suits, with exaggerated shoulder pads, which they playfully used alongside the syncopated rhythms. They both looked effortlessly cool and ridiculous.
There were a total of four costume changes throughout the performance. A personal favourite would have to be when Bones and Planet emerged following ‘Flute Song’, with lit-up accessories under white attires; Bones with electrical epaulettes and Planet in a fluorescent coned bra. The look epitomised the band’s image: fabulous, flamboyant and fun. Everybody lapped it up. The pair paused for a moment; LEDs flashing in the darkness, before jumping straight into it ‘Feels Like a Different Thing’ - an ultimate feel-good hit from their most recent album ‘TILT.’
The energy in the room could only be described as a complete state of euphoria; everyone was dancing to their heart’s content, joining in with the duo’s wacky choreography, (which they very much encouraged), particularly for ‘C.O.O.L Party’ – a dance anthem from their debut album ‘Confidence Music for Confident People,’ evidently designed for audience contribution. The band were working us hard, the air was hot and heavy, sweat gathering in all sorts of places. Sugar rewarded us with a bottle of sprayed champagne to the face following Janet’s lyric: “Now I’m hot – are you guys hot?” The cooling liquid was well-received amongst the first row (and it tasted delicious.)
‘Trumpet Song’ signalled another costume change after dreamy ‘Luvin U is Easy’, as Bones and Planet swiftly left the stage. The security team took good care of us, kindly offering rounds of water which we downed instantly. Goodchild and McGuffie kept the energy going and everybody moving with their dynamic sounds and heavy breakbeats.
Janet and Sugar soon returned; this time both clad in flattering white animal print. They posed in a powerful stance centre-stage, hands behind their backs, heads held high under flaming tangerine lights, before moving forward and backwards in time to ‘Push It Up.’ This song was a gentle comedown from all the previous excitement, (well, as gentle as Confidence Man gets), their swaying moves simple, and singing syrupy sweet.
We didn’t have much time to recover however, as the three songs that followed just happened to be their most energetic ones: ‘Don’t You Know I’m in a Band,’ ‘Boyfriend (Repeat),’ and ‘Holiday’ - had us shaking and shimmying all the way through. Janet made the whole room crouch to their knees near the end duration of ‘Boyfriend.’ The bassline simmered around us, steadily rising - as soon as it dropped, Janet yelled: “get down!” and everyone leapt to their feet. Arms were flailing and feet were stomping, they had us all under a total trance - this was our moment to completely let loose, without fear of judgement.
‘Holiday,’ was something else. An absolutely incredible performance of their ‘TILT’ lead single. It felt like we were being transported back to the 90s, and the band had invited us to an exclusive summer rave. As the song faded out, Confidence Man blew us all kisses and exited the stage. We weren’t having any of that. Those who could still control their breathing screamed for an encore, as others clapped to preserve some energy. Thankfully Con Man returned and generously gave us two more songs, ‘Relieve the Pressure’ - their last chic and jovial track off ‘TILT,’ before closing with an amazing boppy club-mix cover of Bryan Adams' 80s hit, ‘Heaven.’
It was, without a doubt, “the party of the year.” A brilliant pop-fuelled evening of banging tunes and fun synchronised choreo, with a touch of frivolous fashion and performance art. Confidence Man are built to entertain on every creative level.
This was one of the best gigs I’ve been to and a definite highlight of 2022. If you have the opportunity to – go and see them, you will not be disappointed. But word of advice, stay hydrated and be prepared for 90 minutes worth of non-stop dancing!
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