The Tivoli - Sun Aug 3

Southern Californian five-piece Delta Spirit are the latest act signed to Dew Process, and they’re suitably elated to play to their second Australian audience following yesterday’s Splendour In The Grass performance. They skilfully blend elements of rock, country, folk and soul while showcasing songs from their forthcoming debut, Ode To Sunshine. Tonight’s support set seems a couple of songs too long, as the crowd’s initial interest and enthusiasm diminishes somewhat after 45 minutes.

“Don’t get too excited just yet; we’ll keep it slow for a minute.” The stage remains dimly-lit as Cold War Kids work their way through Pregnant, from 2006’s Robbers And Cowards. The Californian four-piece back up last night’s reportedly jubilant Splendour performance with a largely satisfying set that features several cuts from their forthcoming second album. A downtempo, rather lukewarm rendition of We Used To Vacation makes an early appearance, before the stage lights are killed and singer Nathan Willett shines a torch across the crowd during Robbers. The abrupt and hand-clappable Something Is Not Right With Me is debuted alongside Welcome To The Occupation, which isn’t a cover of the R.E.M. tune of the same name. Damn.

The band remain in high spirits throughout the set, and show no signs of a Splendour hangover. Guitarist Jonnie Russell and bassist Matt Maust constantly stalk the stage, while Willett humbly thanks the crowd: “it’s amazing that we can travel thousands of miles and have all of this happening here, tonight.” Hang Me Up To Dry inspires a predictably enormous crowd response, but a stirring performance of Hospital Beds is tonight’s highlight. Willett’s piano hook and emotive lyrics drive what is undoubtedly the band’s strongest song. Following an encore performance of EP track Quiet, Please!, the Delta Spirit collaboration during Saint John provides a satisfying conclusion to tonight’s exhibition of musical camaraderie.

ANDREW MCMILLEN

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*