ABBARAMA: Pop Music Magic on Tour in Australia

ABBARAMA brought their updated rendition of ABBA classics to the eager audience of the Explorer Dream cruise ship in Australia. The production was executed well musically and was complete with exciting visuals and lights.

The band opened up with an ambient soundscape. The lights were dark, the mood was ominous, and a red sun rose on the LED screen behind the band. Out of the darkness, Lindsay Martin (drummer), lit the night up with four hits on the hi hats and the band was off with their first tune, “Voulez-Vous.”

The added soundscape was indicative of the many extras that sets the band apart from other ABBA tribute acts. Adam Skeppar, the Swedish guitar wizard, layered impressive, “shred,” guitar with songs like “Gimme Gimme” and “Lay All Your Love On Me.” Skeppar’s guitar added a rock punch not apparent in the original recordings.

Alison Garner and Adi Argelazi, the band’s Frida and Agnetha respectively, delivered a superb performance as the band’s lead vocalists. One of the highlights of the evening was Argelazi’s vocal solo on “Thank You For The Music” which brought some audience members to tears.

Throughout the whole show, the LED screen behind the band was lit up with artistic videos by KII Arens. The videos ranged from old ABBA footage to abstract visualizations and acted as a glue to bring the whole experience together.

Those in attendance on the Explorer Dream ship had wonderful reactions to the performance. Audience members could be seen getting up out of their seats and clapping along with the songs. The show is truly a “Pop Art” experience not to be missed.