Photo: Justin Edwards

A windy, drizzly Friday night; the bogans have descended on the Valley, the cool kids are at other gigs and the music lovers are here at The Troub. As the crowd grows, The Gin Club’s Ben Salter sings about things like the Catholic fuck, drug flowers and three o’clock in the morning in a familiar, authority-loaded bellow. Even when he recites Swervedriver, Smokey Robinson and Sparklehorse (RIP Mark Linkous) tracks, he stamps his signature on them like a certified troubadour.

Continuing the acoustic sermon, two key members of Melbourne’s Silver City Highway. Fergus McAlpin and Adam Afiff play the finest sadcore this side of Smog. There isn’t a single dull moment during the set; McAlpin’s solemn voice complemented by Afiff’s woody double bass flourishes.

Launching their Last Drinks/Fire Sides vinyl LP, local alt-country darlings Texas Tea delight with heartfelt renditions of Elvis Presley’s Love Me Tender, Neil Young’s Harvest Moon (with Cori Scanlon on backups) and Leonard Cohen’s I’m Your Man. Established favourites Whiskey & Wine (Salter joining the drunken choir), Billy, Don’t Believe In Jesus and Macy & Me are delectable, Kate Jacobson’s powerful voice and Ben Dougherty’s ascetic guitar work forming a seamless mix. By the time they encore with the belting I Never Loved A Man and R.A.M.O.N.E.S., we’ve all rejoiced.

DENIS SEMCHENKO

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