EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: AXIS OF AWESOME: WON'T EVER NOT STOP GIVING UP, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 6 August

Axis of Awesome, the Australian comedy rockers behind such viral hit songs as "4 Chords", return to the Fringe after a two-year break with their latest show Won't Ever Not Stop Giving Up.

The show started with a real bang, with a fantastic opening number that should not be spoiled here, but which referenced the recent changes one of the group's members has been going through. Identity seemed to be a common theme of the show, whether that was in the form of an excellent medley aiming to make pop songs more gender neutral and inclusive (which has the potential, particularly if further developed, to be another big YouTube hit), or in the form of a lament pondering the plight of an amputee octopus.

The 60-minute set included a smattering of old favourites, but had plenty of fresh material, on subjects from unknown Will Smith movie themes to the perils facing athletes in Rio. The band's talent was showcased throughout, with their musical style parodies particularly effective, taking aim at artists as diverse as Bastille and Johnny Cash. A few songs didn't have quite as much impact on the audience as others, but one of the especially strong elements of the show is that each number is kept short, meaning jokes never overstay their welcome.

The songs are enhanced by a good deal of visual comedy, and each band member gets a chance to shine in their own distinct fashion. Unfortunately, the sound levels were sometimes a bit off, particularly earlier in the show, and I felt that a couple of songs would have garnered even more of a response if the lyrics had been more audible over the music. That said, Axis of Awesome's trademark brand of musical comedy was eagerly lapped up by a full house at the Gilded Balloon. By the time they bust out "4 Chords" at the end, it is impossible to resist the urge to sing along. If you enjoy catchy tunes served up with plenty of laughs, there is certainly something awesome here at the Fringe for you.

Axis of Awesome: Won't Ever Not Stop Giving Up is playing at Gilded Balloon Teviot until August 28 (not 25)

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