The 60 Four: A Step Back In Time

The 60 Four are a quartet of Adelaide-based Youth Theatre veterans - Ben Francis, Lachlan Williams, Tom Russell and Kyle Hall - who have joined forces to create a lively, upbeat tribute to the pop music of the 1960s. With their sharp suits and carefully coordinated dance moves, the group's theatrical training is clearly evident, their vocals both polished and impassioned.

The song selection covers a broad range of 60s artists including The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, The Monkees, The Mamas & The Papas, Ben E. King and The Beatles, among others, sometimes in the form of arrangements that are a departure from the originals.

Though none of The 60 Four were even born when these songs topped the charts, their emotional affinity for the material is strong, the youthful enthusiasm they bring to the presentation an infectious delight.

The group harmonising is quite tight, and despite their tender years, they deliver the more romantic songs with both conviction and authority. On occasions, the stage patter is a bit mannered and self-conscious, but The 60 Four are never less than amiable in relating to the audience.

The only real drawback is that the quartet sings to a pre-recorded backing track, rather than with a live band, which would better complement the energy of their performances.

The 60 Four are emerging talent worth keeping an eye on in years to come and their latest show is sure to delight fans of the musicians to whom they pay homage.

Benjamin Orchard