Photo: Nadia Hall

British singer-songwriter Passenger can usually be found busking for change on an Australian street, but tonight’s vigorous performance of his latest album Flight Of The Crow is that of a polished musical craftsman. Standout tracks for Perth’s alt-rockers The Chemist are dark pop number End Of July, and Lullaby #1, with a soothing piano line and unexpectedly cute harmonies from the bassist and keyboardist.

Sydney’s folk rock quintet Boy & Bear open to a capacity crowd with the melodic harmonies of The Storm and hammering guitar of Blood To Gold. Rabbit Song is a standout for its gorgeous instrumental arrangement, and Dearest Of All builds steadily from a lovely soft vocal intro to a climax of harpsichord keys. House & Farm sees a switch in line-up – bassist Jake Tarasenko moves to drums while drummer Tim Hart dons a banjo and a mandolin replaces Killian Gavin’s electric guitar. The track proves to be a highlight as banjo and mandolin lines skilfully interweave behind intricately layered harmonies. The Rain features distinctive pulsating electric guitar jabs, a melody that manages to be meandering but grounded, and harmonies that are simultaneously ethereal and substantial. With the quintet joined onstage by Passenger’s Mike Rosenberg and good friend Stu Larsen for Bon Iver’s stunningly melancholic Flume, the voices of seven men merge for a truly sublime four minutes, before River Meets The Sea explodes into a cacophony of keys. Frontman Dave Hosking announces the band’s “team decision for no encore” before closing with the exquisite harmonies of Mexican Mavis and a soft acoustic track whose vocals come with a tone of longing; a feeling that is almost palpable as we collectively suppress the urge to demand another song.

MEG COLLIS

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:*