Released in 2014, Blue Planet Eyes introduced The Preatures to the world with its infectious blend of 60s R&B and country-inflected pop-rock. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim, and a devoted global following crossing genres and generations, thanks to its irresistible hooks, timeless sound and standout tracks like ‘Is This How You Feel?’, ‘Better Than It Ever Could Be’ and ‘Somebody’s Talking’. Debuting at #4 on the ARIA charts, Blue Planet Eyes also earned four ARIA nominations and a J Award nomination, with a further two songs placing in triple j’s Hottest 100 in the year of their release (‘Is This How You Feel’ #9 in 2013 and ‘Somebody’s Talking’ #29 in 2014).
With their songs ringing out around the world, it was clear The Preatures had found ‘it’: an inexplicable but totally identifiable thing. Suddenly, they had gone from playing clubs for hundreds of people to performing in front of tens of thousands. Their quick rise to fame as one of Australia’s most exciting acts had earned them a reputation for their boundary pushing song writing and magnetic live performances which saw them play countless shows, including a fifty-date regional tour of Australia, two shows at Sydney Opera House, triple j’s Beat The Drum concert, Splendour In The Grass and Falls Festival, as well as huge international spots on Jimmy Kimmel Live, mainstage Coachella, SXSW, Bonnaroo and Glastonbury.
However, having reached dizzying heights that most artists could only ever dream of, the five friends from Sydney also found themselves facing mounting pressures. Non-stop touring, financial troubles, personal relationships and the pandemic took a toll on the band and much to fan’s disappointment, they decided to call it quits. Fortunately, in the years since, band members have flourished, with frontwoman Izzi Manfredi releasing her remarkable debut solo record, izzi, while pregnant during COVID, while her bandmates Jack, Thomas, Luke and Gideonhave gone on to start families, run their own businesses and perform with the biggest artists in the country.
Now, with a newfound stability, the magnetic energy that defines The Preatures was fatefully drawing them back together. Late last year, the band reunited on stage for the first time in five years for an intimate show at Sydney’s The Lansdowne to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their breakthrough album Blue Planet Eyes. The show sold out in 6 minutes, leaving fans around the country begging for them to take their ‘Blue Planet Eyes’ anniversary show on tour. So, they did. Over the last three months, the band has toured to fifteen capital cities and regional centres around the country, playing all the timeless hits that defined an era in Australian music history, in what has been a truly joyous and humbling experience for the band.
On what a privilege it’s been to share these songs and special moments with their fans, The Preatures explain “This tour has been cathartic and wonderful for the five of us. It’s been incredible to witness the passion people feel for the band, right around the country. We live for those shared moments with you. Best of all, our friendships have been restored, the magic is back and we’re having so much fun.”
This tour is a significant milestone for the band and their dedicated fans, featuring the original line-up of frontwoman Isabella Manfredi, guitarist Jack Moffitt, bassist Thomas Championand drummer Luke Davison, as well as the return of guitarist Gideon Bensen, who departed the band in 2016, adding an extra layer of excitement for long-time fans.
The additional show announce also comes off the back of The Preatures ‘Is This How You Feel’ placing at #156 in triple j’s Hottest 200 Australian Songs and subsequently #33 in triple j Unearthed’s 100 Best Discoveries, further proving the enduring love for the band more than 10 years after their iconic debut album’s release. The Preatures are well and truly back and it’s Better Than It Ever Could Be.
THE PREATURES
FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER
THE CROXTON BANDROOM, MELBOURNE VIC
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
