Reviews

Jen Knight and The Cavaliers

9 September 2012, The Toff in Town, Melbourne.

Guest reporter Safiye says that Jen Knight and The Cavaliers' "Hunger" EP launch was proof the band is one to look out for.

Jen Knight and the Cavaliers sent The Toff buzzing in excitement for the release of their debut EP, "Hunger".

As frontwoman Jen Knight took the stage, she had the support of many audience members who'd travelled her home town of Ballarat. Knight, who is 23, looked every bit the superstar in a dress that made her sparkle even before she opened her mouth. She was accompanied by the Cavaliers, consisting of four very talented musicians, as well as the addition of two sultry backup singers. Let it be said that this up-and-coming pop/soul ensemble was pretty amazing!

The song that really started off the night was the soulful number "Keep Them at Bay". The band’s two years together really showed when performing this song. Everything seemed utterly effortless and smooth. Knight’s vocal ability also really shone through in this song. She appeared so at ease on stage, which really allowed her to connect to the song and with the audience, who seemed to hang on to every word.

After "Keep Them at Bay" The Cavaliers picked up the tempo with "Sticks", which has been recently released on Triple J Unearthed. "Sticks" got everybody dancing along with Knight, who was having such a blast on stage that it was completely infectious. She got the whole crowd clapping joyously along with her catchy lyrics. This sort of enthusiasm can be a little rare at the launch of new material, which really adds credit to the performance.

Knight also did something else quite rare for an EP launch: a costume change! Changing from heels and a glitzy number to a more subdued and laid-back look with a cute dress and flats, Knight showed the different sides of her personality and gave the audience something to hoot about.

After a couple more numbers the band sadly left the stage, but the audience wouldn’t have it. An encore was demanded and the band came out to deliver their rendition of Beyoncé’s "Work It Out" with the addition of a saxophone player. And thank goodness they did, because it was an absolute knockout. Knight and her band worked that number for all it was worth, with every band member owning the stage in their own right so that they nearly made me forget all about Beyoncé’s version.

"The Hunger" EP launch was, from what I can tell, a great success. This EP combines catchy pop hooks with hard-hitting guitar riffs and soulful vocals, making it one to groove along to. The girl from Ballarat has come a long way. She and The Cavaliers have proven with this release and their performance that they are definitely a young band to look out for.

4 and a half out of 5.

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