Wait now~ Am I falling in love?  A Telenova Review

By Kim Gray  

Naarm/ Melbourne based band formed in 2020 and comprised of Angeline Armstrong, Joshua Moriarty and Edward Quinn, Telenova, held a spontaneous intimate show on the 5th of March at the Punters Club in Fitzroy, Melbourne.  

This had to be one of the best live shows I have ever experienced, every musician was vibing independently, yet in unity, the vibe in the room was positive, calming and ethereal. There is something magical about witnessing artists enjoying their time on stage, that energy is infectious to the crowd!  

Angeline’s vocals were unreal; her voice is almost identical to the recording if not better! Something I loved about this performance, that might be rare to come across in their future performances was the little bit of history sprinkled throughout the transition from one song to the next, the few little fun facts sprinkled in throughout were: 

• The Punters Club is Telenova’s local pub, The Warning was recorded 15minutes away from the pub.  

• Their song, Mountain lion // Adore from The Warning – inspired by Angeline’s time  in Los Angeles, Angeline encountered mountain lions and was told to never turn your back and run away; rather act as big as you can and as loudly as you can even if it means to jump on a friends shoulder.  

• Their song January from their 2024 album Time Is A Flower – January, was written for a special person in Angeline’s life who was in hospital, and this song was centred around the uncertainty of the condition of the person it was about.  

I won’t lie I did get a little teary during January and so did some of the rest of the crowd around me, some were hugging each other or holding hands. It was a prime example of music bringing people together, although ‘January’ can be interpreted in many ways, grief and fear are experienced differently, yet everyone can relate on some level.  

On the other hand, ‘In The Name Of Your Love’, had everyone dancing, some even singing along, this powerful song that navigates the fear of falling in love with someone, the vulnerability, the frustration and the potential hurt it can bring upon.  

The Warning era of Telenova is one that should be experienced in its entirety, expect to rebel, to cry, to be empowered and be transported through an audio cinema. This  record encapsulates human complexities, and the trials and tribulations life can throw, but it does so therapeutically and such a way it elevates whatever emotion the song makes you feel. No matter the song, expect to move with the music and get lost in the rhythm and lyrics.  Telenova’s ability to play with juxtaposition in many facets of their work, is extraordinary- the use of contrasting emotions, skilful lyricism, blends of musical genres such as jazz, electro, pop and shoegaze, brings forward a new unique sound.  

A standout gesture at the show, was if you bought a button from the merch stand, you’d be able to claim a free beer at the pub, how ace is that! Personally, I am an avid vinyl collector, so you best believe I got one, along with a keychain and button, support your local artists and support your local businesses!  

I had the pleasure of meeting Angeline after the show and she offered to sign my vinyl too, which was a sweet gesture! 

I highly recommend you check out Telenova! Follow their socials if you like their music and would like to see them live, they tend to perform surprise and intimate shows at smaller venues alongside their larger venue shows! If you love film check out their music videos, they are cinema for your ears after all.