Husky’s sublime single – History’s Door – is ample proof that the most valuable aspect of venturing overseas is to return with a broadened perspective. Recorded in LA with Noah Georgeson (Joanna Newsom, The Strokes, Devendra Banhart), beautifully layered and lined in reflective wisdom, lead singer/guitarist Husky Gawenda and his wistful folk-pop troupe – cousin Gideon Preiss (keys/vocals), Evan Tweedie (bass/vocals) and Luke Collins (drums) – could very well deliver a stand-out release with their forthcoming new album. They certainly convinced the attentive crowd tonight.
Noah And The Whale’s debut Australian tour was long-overdue, but opening with Give A Little Love served as a lovely gesture of gratitude toward a sold-out crowd. Performing as a quintet live, there’s no denying that the London indie-folk group’s life-affirming melodies and sensitive odes to love and the lack thereof are elevated by gifted violinist Tom Hobden and frontman Charlie Fink’s charming baritone. All dressed in immaculate suits, Noah And The Whale tug at the heart-strings with a dainty charm. Fink garnered smitten giggles when he introduced Wild Thing as the romantic part of the set while assuring fans that there was, indeed, no shortage of romance in our city.
Although Noah And The Whale’s sophomore album, The First Days Of Spring, remains their best record to date, the band’s third album –Last Night On Earth – gave rise to some of their most uplifting live performances and their adorably naive debut album –Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down – evidently holds special resonance with many fans (particularly for those indebted to Laura Marling). Rocks And Daggers, Jocasta and Shape Of My Heart were performed beautifully, while 5 Years Time has retained its original appeal as demonstrated by its delirious reception.
Nothing, however, could compare to the band’s breathtaking performance of The First Days Of Spring, which reasserted everything that’s great about Noah And The Whale – harmonious elegance, wrenching introspection and otherworldly innocence. The song’s epic climax presented a divine moment that’s sure to be embedded in the minds of all attendees. To end their set with that mind-expanding experience would’ve been ideal, but the band couldn’t leave without performing L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. Judging by the ensuing euphoric sing-along, fans were merely hoping that the night wouldn’t end.
Loved: Experiencing the transcendental and rather overwhelming The First Days Of Spring live.
Hated: Occasionally, it was difficult to determine whether Charlie was lost in the music or battling fatigue.
Drank: Fat Yak
