Friday July 5th, Cleveland Sands Hotel.

From Sydney/Eora, Sneaky Sound System are icons of the Australian dance music scene. Miss Connie and Angus McDonald began making music together from 2006, with their breakout track I Love It, and not long after, UFO in 2007. As an Australian child growing up in the 2000’s, the lyrics ‘I saw a UFO, and nobody believed me’ was ingrained into my mind and never left. 

It wasn’t until maybe 6 months ago that I really started listening to them again as an adult and the fun and nostalgia of each track captured my attention once more. Not long after this rebirth of slight obsession they announced a show in the Sunshine Coast, and I bought tickets immediately. I think a mixture of excitement, alcohol and overstimulation caused me to fall ill and we had to leave within 20 minutes of the gig, understandably leaving me pretty upset. Thankfully after this debacle they announced another show, this time In July at the Cleveland Sands Hotel, just out of Brisbane.

I’m not going to lie, I was a bit apprehensive about the venue, I’d never been, and I unjustly thought it was just a boring pub, but I was pleasantly surprised. The venue’s entertainment area had the stage close to the entry and close enough to the bar. The stage and crowd area weren’t big by any means, but I think a smaller stage feels cozier and you can see the performers with more clarity. Bonus points for everyone not pushing against each other like sardines. Age demographic was mixed, but majority millennial and up crowd. Behind the stage on the wall was a big funky octopus, at the time I was wearing my signature octopus necklace, so I took that as a good omen for the show.

The show was set to start at 9.30pm and Miss Connie and DJ Angus McDonald adorned the stage at 9.45pm – fashionably late (literally, she is always so stylish), wearing a chic dusty pink boiler suit and bright pink sneakers, going straight into the track Tell The World. The tracks were raining down on us; Friends, Big, Pictures, I Love It, Kansas and We Belong…to name a few. And we can’t forget the big hit UFO – truly healing seeing this song live after all these years. Crowd engagement throughout the set was ample and Miss Connie didn’t stay still, making use of the whole stage, the energy was pulsating. Her array of fun facial expressions and vocal adlibs during the set were entertaining.

A minor blip during UFO, all of a sudden, the music stopped for a few seconds and a bit of confusion rumbled around. ‘Was this part of the show?’ Turns out it wasn’t. It was a little funny it happened during the big hit. The show then came to a close and the pair walked off stage.

My only criticism is that I wish the set was longer and that they spoke more throughout the show between tracks. On the way out of the venue the security gave out free bottles of water, a nice touch. All in all, I feel redeemed, and my inner child is healed, the nostalgia kick is like a drug to me. If you’re able to, I definitely recommend you go see a sneaky show! 

Upcoming shows/dates

▪️ SAT 13 JUL MRS SIPPY, BALI.

▪️ SAT 20 JUL MRS SIPPY, BALI.

▪️ SAT 17 AUG THREDBO ALPINE HOTEL, THREDBO, NSW.

▪️ SAT 07 SEP KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL, NSW.

▪️ SAT 14 SEP THE TIMES MUSIC FESTIVAL, CANBERRA, ACT.

▪️ SAT 05 OCT RHYTHM AND THE REEF, MACKAY, QLD.