ABBA Gold

ABBA Gold
Presented by The Flaming Sambucas. The German Club, Adelaide, February 14, 2016. Goolwa Centenary Hall Theatre, Goolwa, February 20, 2016

Adelaide band, The Flaming Sambucas, deliver a spirited tribute to Sweden’s Fab-Four with ABBA Gold. Michelle Gorgula & Jodie Dry replicate the tight harmonies of Frida and Agnetha with impeccable precision, whilst Terry Nicholas (keyboards) and Michael Potter (guitars) energetically dish out the irrepressible rhythmic hooks that were Bjorn & Benny’s trademark. At times, the quality of impersonation is so eerie that if you were to close your eyes during the performance, you’d be hard pressed to distinguish this from the real thing. The magic is sometimes spoilt by indecisive stage patter, with the band sometimes addressing the audience as themselves, and at other times talking “in character”.

All of ABBA’s biggest hits are present and correct, from early Europop epics like “Waterloo”, to their more mellow later material, such as “The Winner Takes It All”. Thankfully, a few more obscure curios also make it onto the set, including one of Benny’s classical styled solo compositions, ensuring the proceedings aren’t too predictable.

Video projections of the real ABBA and deliberately kitsch costumes are well incorporated into the show, adding to the nostalgic appeal. Fans looking to relive the glory days are well catered for. 

Benjamin Orchard

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