Ryan Downey proved to be the most fitting opener on a cold Friday night. His voice was noticeable as soon as one walked into the venue, rich and deep, travelling slowly along with his acoustic picking. Many folks took their time in arriving, he made a serene start to the evening, gently drawing the early comers in.
Sydney’s new indie-dream Middle Kids followed, bringing with them a sound that filled the room – both with people and a bright, warm energy. The trio already have a sufficient amount of hype from debut single Edge of Town and they definitely lived up to it. They were joined by a friend who added some beautiful slide guitar, while drummer Harry Day drove the set with enticing rhythms. Hannah Joy’s voice is bigger than initially seems and has a jangly style of dance brimming with limbs. Mid-set, she played Doing It Right alone on the keys, so poetic that even comrade Tim Fitz had to pause and soak it up after he’d tuned his guitar. While still finding their banter bandwidth, they’re clearly hitting their stride early on with their live show.
Finally, Julia Jacklin was joined by her band of merry men, Harry, Tom and Eddie. With her debut album yet to be gently cradled in our arms, the crowd weren’t too familiar with her work. This reflected in the reception, as many gazed, others gently swayed, the applause rising slightly above a polite volume between songs. There wasn’t enough appreciative shrieking, but that might not have gelled with her gentle alt-country music. Three songs in, Coming of Age finished off the “Loud bit of the evening”.
Jacklin’s voice in person pierces through you, but in a way that is as kind and as loving as possible. Small Talk sent home how amazing her songwriting is, smoothly delivered by her band and retaining a lingering sadness. Her debut single Pool Party received widespread recognition before she finished with the title track from her debut record, Don’t Let The Kids Win, joined only by drummer Thommo on harmonies. It was a tender finish to the night, unassuming but also thoroughly memorable.
Jacklin’s live set backs up all the praise currently circulating for her. Upon her return there will be plenty of others joining in, maybe even some shrieking.
BY ANGELA CHRISTIAN-WILKES
Loved: That voice.
Hated: No merch stand. Not that I had any money, but you know.
Drank: Water (see above comment about money).
