Overtone impresses with Killer Queen

11 Mar 2009

To be honest I was a little dubious about attending Killer Queen at the NewSpace Theatre. Come on an acappella Afrikaans boy band in matching outfits with synchronised dance moves singing Queen Covers. It sounded like a cringe worthy cheese fest of note. And it felt like my worst fears had been realized as the seven boys from Overtone stepped on stage and began their first number. Matching outfits- check, synchronised dance moves-check, add to that a few glinting earrings, spiky hair and silly grins and you have the makings of the cheesiest cheese sandwich ever.

I not too sure quite how it happened but the Overtone boys won me over, perhaps it was their youthful enthusiasm, impressive acappella and beat boxing. Or the fact the Queen wrote some killer songs or maybe it was the talent and prettiness (and not in a gay way-though this can't be said for all the members) of lead tenor Emile Welman but ultimately it was all these factors plus the fact the group is just very darn good. They have a great chemistry on stage and expertly weave harmonies and beat boxing together to capture the essence of the Queen and Freddie Mercury songs. While at the same time putting a modern spin on those well loved classics.

The boys performed all the major hits from Radio Gaga to Bohemian Rhapsody some without musical backing and some with a live band. It was most definitely the acappella performances that were the most impressive and allowed the band to truly show off their skills, their performances are so layered that one never really notices the lack of musical instruments. And I just can't seem to get “She's a Killer Queeeaan, Gunpowder, Gelatine, Dynamite with a laser beam...” out of my head (what a great song).

So do yourself a favour and don't be put off by images like this and go and check out the boys from Overtone doing their Killer Queen thing, you'll be tapping your foot and humming along in no time. And while you at it why not make a night of it and explore some of the very delightful restaurants and bars in and around the NewSpace building in Long Street. We were lucky enough to be treated to wine and snacks at the Grand Daddy Hotel, Anytime Italian Trattoria, Boo Radley's and The Oolong Cafe before and after the show and I can recommend any of these places as the perfect place to get a pre or post culture drink or snack.