Kevin Silvester- Gig Review (July 18th @ The Toff)

Tia Babatzikos
Jul 28
3 min read

Celebrating the launch of his debut EP ‘O2’, Kevin Silvester played his biggest show yet at The Toff, and it was pure pop-rock magic. Supported by local opening acts Lyrah Gray, Splitlanes and Titration, it was an explosive night involving a whole lot of screaming, dancing and overall feels.

We caught Titration’s set after we arrived at the venue, a Melbourne based band that provided high energy alternative rock dripping with sexuality and demeanor. The energy they created perfectly set the tone for the rest of the night as the crowd was buzzing with excitement and palpable anticipation.

After a brief intermission/ dance break, new silhouettes emerged on stage. The band, dressed in white shirts and loose black ties took their places with their instruments, looking straight out of an early 2000s pop-punk music video.

Kevin then exploded out onstage with total rockstar attitude and his signature red bedazzled microphone in hand. He opened the set with ‘BAD OMEN’- a catchy track with pop-influenced hooks and melodic vocals. Small analogue TV’s were placed onstage playing the accompanying music video while a disco-ball shined overhead, creating a cinematic nostalgic vibe.

The highly infectious energy from the first track is carried into the next two songs from ‘O2’, ‘ORBIT’ and ‘HURT PEOPLE’. Both tracks are evocative and vulnerable; with confessional lyrics outlining heartbreak, being performed passionately with raw emotion.

Amping the energy up even higher, Kevin erupted into his angsty and emotionally charged cover of Britney Spears’ ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ which I would really love for him to record and release officially (please)!!

Kevin swaps out his red electric guitar for an acoustic one and slows it down with ‘FOOL’S GOLD’ and an entirely brand new unreleased track called ‘BIT OF BITTER’. These songs are personal and stripped back, providing an intimate moment between Kevin and the audience.

Kevin’s ability to balance high-energy pop-punk tracks with slower, more pop-influenced songs shows his versatility as an artist and his ability to blend them seamlessly together into a cohesive setlist.

After an intermission, Kevin headed into ‘I THINK I NEED THERAPY’ which the crowd responded to by screaming along to every lyric. He pointed his mic to his friends in the front row who exclaim the supporting lines in the track, which is a really cute and sweet moment.

Working with the fun upbeat energy in the crowd, Kevin goes into ‘Villains Never Die’ and another brand new unreleased track called ‘GO!!’ which is extremely catchy and features sexy tongue-in-cheek lyrics. This track in particular I am very excited to check out when it is officially released.

Bringing the audience to a moment of emotional release, Kevin plays ‘SLEEPWALKER’ and ‘STRANGER’- two powerful and beautifully cathartic tracks that demonstrate his lyricism and vocal abilities. Many members of the crowd wear Kevin’s merch and hold up handmade signs, a display of affection that is returned when Kevin jumps down from the stage during ‘SLEEPWALKER’ and begins to make his way through the crowd giving out hugs and greeting fans.

After his exit from the stage, the crowd almost instantly erupts into a chant demanding one more song. After a moment offstage, Kevin jumps back out in an ‘O2’ jersey tank top and finishes the set with ‘DELULU’, a track featuring grungy riffs and an infectious chorus.

Hearing the entirety of ‘O2’ played live was such a special experience, as well as getting to be some of the first people to hear two of Kevin’s unreleased tracks. Every show I have been to so far has been so memorable and iconic due to the amount of energy, effort, love and passion Kevin puts into each show- from talking to fans at the merch table after the show, to personally curating every detail like the setlist and creating the pre-show playlist.

it is Kevin’s passion and dedication that makes him not only stand out as an artist, but what also makes his live performances and music as a whole, from lyrics to composition, so impactful ♡

Kevin Silvester will be supporting Bellehaven for their ‘Be Enough' Tour around Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. tickets are available here so Make sure that you Don’t miss out!!

You can also listen to Kevin Silvester's debut EP ‘O2’ by clicking the link here.