It was a close call for Ballarat surf-rockers Travalley as Melbourne’s snap lockdown almost collided with their first gig back in a year. Luckily for brothers Levi and Sam Mellington, the circuit breaker lockdown was successful and it was full steam ahead for their show at the Leadbeater Hotel in Richmond. 

Up first for the night, in true indie-punk style was fellow Ballarat friends Leftfield Luxury. Taking some inspiration from psychedelic rock outfit King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Leftfield Luxury well and truly warmed the stage for Melbourne psych-rock band Mona Bay. Mona Bay had some incredibly hypnotising instrumental moments within their set, with the audience transfixed on their distant psych melodies. 

It was a seemingly fitting transition for Travalley to take the stage as the Leadbeater was now bustling with fans excited for possibly their first proper gig back since restrictions were lifted. 

The duo started with ‘Mr Right’, their latest single on Spotify and a feel-good love song full of jangly guitars and which also encapsulates the essence of Travalley almost perfectly. 

The gig was also adorned with plenty of high-volume covers, with friend and alternative folk musician Harry Lamb joining Travalley for a Catfish and the Bottleman cover, as well as jumping on later in the set for some other energetic covers. 

Crowds were singing the chorus in unison for Travalley’s most popular song on Spotify, their 2019 release, ‘Heartless’, as the chorus hones in on Levi’s aching vocals.

A Travalley gig wouldn’t be complete without their 2020 single ‘Dear Babe’, which has guitar chords reminiscent of an old school Jungle Giants style. Sam’s drumming and singing abilities were also on show for the night, as his melodies during ‘Dear Babe’ added sunlight to the duo’s set. 

Something which was infectious throughout the entirety of Travalley’s set was Sam and Levi’s unshakeable bond and on-stage energy, which the crowd received and matched well. Levi’s humour was also sprinkled across the set, making for a lighthearted and fun first gig back for many. 

The duo ended the gig with a cover of The Beatles ‘Twist and Shout’, with Harry Lamb taking to the main vocals; the crowd elated at the sight. 

Travalley’s on-stage energy was just what Melbourne gig-heads needed after a tentative week in lockdown, and if there is to be more Travalley goodness spread throughout the Melbourne music scene it’ll be enriched tenfold.

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