Live Review: The Teskey Brothers in Perth 2025
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
The Teskey Brothers are the Etta James of Australia.
With Josh Teskey leading the charge, flanked by his brother Sam and the band, the band oozed more blues than the skies of Perth earlier this evening. The combination of quaint festival mood and the summery elements under the shiny moon on a starry night bloomed into an auspicious night of revelry, poise, and poignancy. Through the vocal personification of Josh, the audience were deeply seduced, tranced, and silenced by the stage projection; the silky smooth and je ne sais quoi vocal qualities backed by the harmonica, guitar, keyboard, and brass transcend the contemporary sonic boundaries of Australia.
Put simply, the evening’s performance at Burswood Park in Perth – which also kicks off the Australian Tour, stands as one of the most captivating and organic live shows of the 2020’s.
The Teskey Brothers grace the stage with “I Love A Woman” and “Pain And Misery.” The latter track, a fan favorite, dwells on the turmoil of heartbreak. The initial gentle guitar elevates into powerful, visceral vocals, capturing the plea of a broken heart. Josh’s face emanates the adjectives, his guitar resonates with his brother’s and synchs with the rest, and the palpable sincerity of emotional depiction is deeply rooted through his rich, raspy vocals. Already two songs in, the audience are submerged in a standout performance. By now, the crowd elevate to a revelry mode but is still in second gear, not wanting to perturb the angelical equanimity beaming from the stage.
As for standout performances, there are plenty, such as in “Crying Shame,” which features a solo guitar that trickles with blues galore. The riff is seductive, expressed by the soulful expression that’s congruous with the emotional conduction of the track – one of longing and sorrow. The technical skills are showcased to the 3500 fans, with many succumbing to inert temptation, whistling and screaming in hysteria, while a few punch through the air with rock god gestures. Not bad considering tonight is a bluesy affair with the spirits of Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding watching from the heavens – if you believe in the afterlife.
“I Get Up” sees Josh extending his presence to the front of the stage, kneeling on the extended stage while the audience encourage resilience. The lead vocalist begs, struggling to endure life’s challenges – well, that’s the story in the lyrics as we are drenched in his perseverance and disappointment. He then stands tall at the bridge against life’s adversity, as the audience expels an almighty roar of approval. The night has climaxed – so it seems. Once again, Josh Teskey’s vocals are the epicenter of the track. The fans spring from their seats – the standing ovation is long overdue.
The “Rain” keeps pouring – lyrically under the cool cloudless night, which then leads to a “My Kumbaya” moment as Josh introduces the acoustic set. Sam and the guitarist share the front mic as they sing “Carry Me Home” in a beautiful harmony that is tapered with as much gospel and country as the Church of Nashville. We are sailing on a boat through the 70’s era of the Alabamas and John Denvers, along the shores of the Swan River.
The magic of time travel continues with “Paint My Love.” This time, the psychedelia is personified through an organ solo, drums, and bass that soar for five minutes, transporting the 3500-strong crowd to the wonder years. The revolutionary 60s cast her hypnotic magic thanks to the lighting and sounds forming the catalyst of time travel at a subconscious level. The twisted electric – that psychedelic sound through the fuzz, reverb, echo, and perhaps the wah-wah pedal cast the trippy otherworldly vibe. Jimmy Hendrix would be shaking his head with approval.
There are moments of harmonica magic by Josh Teskey, as he showcases for several minutes, then switches to vocal perfection. By the final three songs, the audience is already in Woodstock mode, with most on their feet dancing to “Forever You and Me,” “I’m Leaving,” and “Hold Me.” No longer are we in a polite jazz club of several thousand, but rather a Perth riverside revelry that’s fitting to a rock festival.
The Teskey Brothers have won 5 ARIA awards – Best Group, Best Blues and Roots Album for 2019, 2022, and 2023, and Engineer of the Year. Surely the Best Australian Live Act is overdue.
The duo and a stellar opening lineup consisting of Band of Horses, Sierra Farrell, CMAT and Charlie Needs Braces are touring across Australia. Tickets and info are available through A Day on The Green.
The Teskey Brothers setlist: I Love a Woman, Pain and Misery, Man of the Universe, Crying Shame, Shiny Moon, So Caught Up, I Get Up, Rain, Carry Me Home, Take My Heart, London Bridge, Paint My Heart, What Will Be, Forever You And Me, I’m Leaving, Hold Me.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank A Day On The Green and The Teskey Brothers for the invite.
About the Writer/Photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 150 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and Robbie Williams with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below), Ian Moss, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
