Of all the international electronic acts to have developed a longstanding love affair with Australia, Nottingham five-piece Crazy P (aka Crazy Penis) must surely be up there as most deserving of dual citizenship. Over the past five or six years it just hasn’t been an Australian summer without a visit from the disco-infused, house and funk-fuelled act, and true to form last Friday saw them touch down in Brisbane as part of their current six date Australian tour.

A late venue change from the Tivoli to The Empire Hotel had some worried, but all the signs pointed towards a stellar performance for the band’s anticipated return to Brisbane. It proved to be an electrifying set in intimate surrounds, and one that blew me – and many others – away. Stumbling down The Moon Bar stairs afterwards, I noticed nearly everybody wearing ear-to-ear smiles – surely a direct result of the overwhelmingly positive performance all had witnessed.

The space was warmed up by local incredibles PTY LTD, and they were indeed a fitting and wonderful support for the main act. Great funk basslines, excellent drumming, fat keyboards and brilliant vocals were supported by excellent musicianship. It was a sure fire giveaway that tonight was going to be something special. The crowd was indeed keen for the main event.

Showcasing material from their new Stop Space Return album, released last year – as well as tried and tested Crazy P classics – band members Chris Todd, Jim Baron, Tim Davies and Matt Klose were clearly enjoying themselves throughout, but it was lead vocalist Danielle Moore who had the small but up-for-it crowd really getting down. From the moment she appeared on stage wearing midnight-blue hot pants and stockings, she captivated the audience with her sexy, sultry crooning and beautiful voice.

The highlights? The entire 90 minute set was a highlight in my opinion, and it went by far too quickly, but notable tunes dropped to devastating effect included the now modern day classic Lady T from 2005’s A Night On Earth album, as well as Stop Space Return, Love On The Line and In And Out from last year’s release. Moore had the audience in the palm of her hand, and The Moon Bar turned out to be a fantastic choice of venue. While Crazy P would have surely turned The Tivoli upside down, the change resulted in the performance having a much more intimate vibe, one that worked extremely well.

Having seen Crazy P in a number of venues over the years – both in clubs and at festivals – it’s clear their live show has stepped up a notch since the release of A Night On Earth. The band is polished, tight and clearly into what they do, and judging by the roar given up by The Moon Bar crowd on Friday, they continue to hold a large fan base down under. Watch this space for their return tour!