Vika and Linda Bull – Tonga meets Melbourne indie

Venue:

Union Theatre, Wonthaggi, Victoria, Australia

Date: 05/09/2026

This is a review of a concert by artists very few on the Afterword website would have heard of. But here in Australia, and especially in Melbourne they are musical institutions. Vika and Linda Bull have been the go-to backing singers for some of our best and most enduring artists such as the Black Sorrows and Paul Kelly. And on pretty much any roots type record with backing vocals you will find them credited.
But backing vocals and being out front are different. So, I approached this show with positivity but a dash of wariness.
They are doing a national tour, including regional areas, to promote their new album Where Do You come From? The song is emblematic of their story. Born to a Tongan mother and I assume Caucasian Melbourne bloke they are born and bred Aussie. But still the question, “where do you come from?” And when they respond “here” they common follow up is “no, where do you really come from”? It’s a powerful message. The song is emblematic, in my mind, because it tells us so many things about these vivacious sisters. That from backing singers, they are writing their own songs, songs that tell their story. They wrote the lyrics and asked Mark Seymour to help with the music. Mark Seymour is from an iconic Aussie band Hunters and Collectors. Even if you don’t know the band you may have heard someone’s version of his tour de force Throw Your Arms Around Me. So, their long history ( 40 years) of playing with all these musicians allows them to draw on these friendships. Other artists have contributed to this and previous albums.
The venue for this show was a small theatre in the former coal mining town of Wonthaggi, not far from where I live. As it happens their parents live not far away and are there to see their daughters perform. Lots of stories about growing up, blown kisses to Mum and Dad and pleasingly, for a small country town , a few references to time spent down here. It’s all very cosy.
On they come and start with a song of Paul Kelly’s – Be Careful What You Pray For. Halfway through the PA loses power. A storm outside is suspected. Awkward patter then an acoustic song briefly, before power is back. Vika and Linda Bull’s backing band are called the Bullettes – geddit? Drums, bass and guitar. Simple, uncluttered, effective. Ben Edgar, the guitarist was good, demonstrating chops without shredding Maybe a keyboard would have been nice but, after all the focus is those voices. To quote the bio – “blending soul, gospel, rock and country with their rich Tongan heritage”. Vika is feisty whereas beaming younger sister Linda was a self-confessed goody two shoes. Often one steps back to the shadows before rejoining for harmony singing. And those harmonies ! What is it about common DNA and harmonies? From the Everlys to any number of family based groups there is something about it. I wondered whether the voices were gonna hold up live, but they were better – purer, richer, stronger. Musically they play it very straight, no jamming, no playing around with the songs. Does that come from all that time as backing singers…..stick to what you have been asked to do? It didn’t detract but maybe some time they could cut loose.

The audience:

Grey

It made me think..

Harmonies…DNA

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