It was clear from the jump that last night’s On The Banks instalment was going to be one for the books. The Cultural Forecourt was a sea of adoring fans, all packed in and ready to supercharge the evening under the Brisbane skyline.
Coterie: A Brotherhood of Groove
As the house music faded, Coterie took to the stage to a deafening roar. For those playing catch-up, this isn’t just a band; it’s a literal band of brothers. Hailing from Perth by way of New Zealand, the Fisher brothers—Tyler, Joshua, Brandford, and Conrad—are a formidable unit.
Their Māori roots and West Coast upbringing bleed through a repertoire that feels instantly familiar yet refreshingly tight. They moved effortlessly through a set of reggae-rock and indie-pop gems, including their 2021 breakout hit “Cool It Down” and the soulful “Say To You.” Their musicianship is seasoned and precise, with driving beats and rich vocal harmonies that had the entire crowd in full voice. It’s no wonder they’ve become staples on the festival circuit; they simply don’t miss.
Maoli: The Maui Sensation
Then came the man of the hour: Maoli. Led by the “golden-voiced” Glenn Awong, this Hawaiian outfit arrived as the evening’s clear darling. Having formed on the island of Maui in 2007, Maoli has spent the last two decades perfecting a “Hawaiian Country” sound that blends island reggae with the heartfelt storytelling of R&B and soul.
From the first note of Awong’s distinctive, raspy vocal, the atmosphere shifted into a festive, heartfelt celebration. They powered through a deep catalogue of hits, from early island-reggae anthems like “No One” to more recent viral sensations like “Every Night Every Morning” and their standout cover of “Mercy.” Special mention must go to the production team; the visuals on the massive digital screen behind the band provided a stunning backdrop to an already electric performance.
The Verdict
It was a night of pure professionalism and top-tier talent. Both acts brought an energy that felt perfectly calibrated for a Brisbane summer night. A massive tip of the hat to the concert organisers, too—from the entry flow to the sound quality, everything went off without a hitch.
