The Teskey Brothers Bring Sunshine and Song to The Piece Hall in Halifax [Show Review]

Australia has a rich history of successful rock bands, including the mammoth AC/DC, the shouty Amyl and the Sniffers and the trippy Tame Impala – but the Teskey Brothers share none of their DNA, opting for a more soulful and bluesy style of rock that takes its inspiration vocally from the likes of Otis Redding and Sam Cooke and musically from bands like Cream and The Allman Brothers Band. It makes for a wonderful mix that pairs perfectly with fans bathing in the glorious summer evening in the UK’s finest open-air venue.

Openers The Heavy Heavy – a 5-piece from Brighton – play a similar style of music that’s rooted in the heyday of the ’60s, incorporating elements of psychedelic soul, blues rock, and even a touch of country. A perfect start to proceedings with a layered sound that had a timeless quality to it. They sound nostalgic but with a modern twist, and the chemistry of the band – especially Georgie and Will – makes them an enjoyable watch.

The Teskey Brothers – Josh in particular – looked thrilled to be welcomed to the historic courtyard – taking a moment to soak in the moment and enjoy the view before starting the show. His voice instantly hit the spot and sounded magnificent with the crystal-clear production and clarity of sound offered by the beautiful architecture of the Piece Hall.

With each of their three studio albums being featured equally, they ran through a set purposely designed to uplift the soul, and it was a real treat for fans, old and new alike. A proper highlight was the acoustic run through “Carry Me Home,” which saw Sam Teskey and bassist Fabian join Josh at the front of the stage to share a mic in a trio of harmonies that blended together perfectly and had a nice intimate campfire vibe to it – especially when Josh broke out the harmonica to add to the mix.

They seem like genuinely pleasant, down-to-earth people – apparently, keyboardist Olaf was spotted in the iconic local music venue Graystone Unity before the show, tickling the ivories on their piano – and that makes connecting with the audience easy. At times, it felt intimate, like they were playing in the pub, albeit an enormous pub with no roof, and at others, it felt like the huge show it was.

The brothers seemingly lack the (sometimes-essential) sibling rivalry that the likes of The Black Crowes Robinson brothers and the Gallaghers are both infamous for – which is an ingredient that makes both bands a touch more dangerous and edgy, and much like The Black Crowes, the Teskey’s sound their best when they cut loose and lock into an extended jam and let the music breathe as they do on the final two songs of the main set – giving the audience an exhilarating end to a truly memorable and soulful show.

This was a show full of class and harked back to the great bands of the ’60s and ’70s with its own twist. Josh could probably sing the phone book and make it truly engaging. Wholesome and fulfilling; if you get the chance to see them, make sure you do; you won’t be disappointed.

Our photographer, Frank Ralph Photography, checked out the show, and you can check out his photo gallery and the Teskey Brothers’ setlist here:

Set List:

1. I Love the Woman
2. Pain and Misery
3. Man of the Universe
4. Oceans of Emotions
5. Crying Shame
6. Take My Heart
7. So Caught Up
8. I Get Up
9. Rain
10. Carry Me Home
11. Shiny Moon
12. Paint My Heart
13. What Will Be
14. Forever You and Me
15. I’m Leaving
16. Hold Me

The Teskey Brothers (w/ Heavy Heavy) @ The Piece Hall (Halifax, UK) on June 29th, 2025

28 photos