Ramona Sky’s ‘Think You’re Mine’ Has Launched
Ramona Sky are built for live shows.
Emerging in the Melbourne music scene just 1 year ago, the funk rock band have been gigging hard and haven’t let their momentum falter for even a moment – and as Saturday night’s Think You’re Mine single launch proved, Ramona Sky has the potential to become a main player in the Australian indie scene in years to come.
In contrast to opening acts The Valiants and The Brads – who set the room dancing from the first power chord – Ramona Sky takes a different approach, quietly taking the stage, guitarist Bobby Sek and bass player Nick Laby creating an atmospheric soundscape between them, complete with a pulse provided by drummer Jess Maio. A hush falls over the packed-out room, and for a split second time seems to slow down, the crowd entranced – before lead singer Chelsea Sharp bursts onto stage, a ball of pure energy, and the band launches full force into their opening song.
It is immediately apparent that every member of Ramona Sky is essential, not relying on any single element to carry the performance. Sharp’s powerful vocals add new dimension to the songs’ already complex and catchy lyricism, and sit in perfect balance with the harmonies delivered by the multi-talented Maio. Sek’s flawlessly executed guitar riffs at times seem to provide a third vocal harmony, while Laby’s bass lines are guaranteed to be stuck in listeners’ ears for days. The band is a locked in, cohesive unit with a magnetic energy, and within moments they have the audience in the palm of their hand.
Moving through their set, Ramona Sky’s versatility is on full display, shifting seamlessly between powerful rock numbers to atmospheric, dreamy tracks – all while remaining consistent in their signature funk stylings, stunning vocals, and fine-tuned songwriting. Particular highlights include a draw-dropping rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain, performed with enough passion and unique interpretation that it might be mistaken for one of their own songs; as yet unreleased song Fray, a wall of sound delivered with expert precision; and of course, the main event: Think You’re Mine.
You never show affection
Only your aggression
Always want a reaction
These are laws of attraction
– Think You’re Mine
A deceptively upbeat funk track taking place in the midst of a relationship breakdown, Think You’re Mine functions as an energetic and easily danceable tune, as well as a deeper listen. However, it is on stage where this song truly shines. The band begins the track in a slower, swung style, earning a double take from the audience before launching into its legitimate driving rhythm. Featuring masterful layered vocal harmonies and a guitar solo that drew screams from the audience, the energy on this song reaches a whole new level, and it is impossible not to see how important this moment is – even frontwoman Chelsea Sharp’s meticulously crafted stage persona cracks in pure delight at how well received their debut has been.
Leaving the stage with a cheery salute and their audience wanting more, Ramona Sky’s debut is an unequivocal success – there’s no doubt that all in attendance will be eagerly waiting to see what comes next.