Matt Corby (Supported by Passenger)
Wednesday October 13th
Northcote Social Club
If anyone was driving the gig last night it was the self-proclaimed Passenger, aka Mike from the U.K. You could hear jaws dropping such was the silence that ensconsed every single acoustic-guitar driven emotional ballad. The crowd sat on the floor, in awe, until he told them to stand. Every person in the room was totally engaged as he sang songs inspired by his busking around Australia and bumping into folks such as Kate Miller-Heidke, Josh Pyke & Matt Corby.
The Shape of Love, The Golden Thread and Holes were memorable events and the perfect attention of the crowd was never demonstrated more than when he stepped away from the microphone for a truly acoustic presentation of his last song, and when his guitar swung wildly out of tune - he cast it oustide and sang with no projection - a heart felt ditty of which the crowd heard every last syllable.
It was a mesmerising performance from Passenger who had to go back stage to grab more CD's to sell at the merch desk after his set.
Matt Corby followed and for many, he was the passenger. Clearly motivated to swing away from his Australian Idol notoriety, Matt's amazing vocals were put to waste through an artistic, virtually instrumental 15 minute opener - that most of the crowd talked through. An unenthusiastic bassist and then lead guitarist added the negativity of the occassion. Clearly unidentified to himself and especially to his crowd, Matt meandered through three songs in the first half hour. His voice is undeniably incredible - so his guitar playing but he just needs to write a song that is accessible to us!
I knew exactly what Passenger was feeling like in every song. I have no idea what Matt Corby was feeling. Both acts put on amazing displays of art - but good art is a representation of an event that a lot of people understand - and unfortunately Matt Corby didn't quite take that trick
1 woo out of 5 for Matt
4 woos out of 5 for Passenger
Thanks for the review jonnytoogood. Some interesting comments. Had the good fortune to see Matt Corby at his Sydney EP launch last night for the first time and I must say that I was very impressed. Like you, I also love Passenger, the guy has no peer when it comes to writing lyrics and his melodies are sweet. In my opinion though, as performers, the two guys are like chalk and cheese. Passenger instantly engages his audience with crisp, intelligable lyrics - each song is a journey in itself. Matt has an ethereal feel to his songs, which are built on brilliant, haunting vocals. I found Matt's entire set as a whole an amazing experience, a wonderful escape and I can understand why people are raving about his live performances. As far as being accessible, I found myself swept away in the moment and the ghostly ambience - which means the guy does actually connect; certainly for me and I think the vast majority of the crowd who appeared mesmerized. I can understand that you may not get Matt - but hey, that's the great thing about music - it's personal. BTW, nobody talking through his set last night - you could have heard a pin drop. I rate both guys highly -
ReplyDelete4 1/2 woos out of 5 for both.
posted by Tom.
Well I was at the Northcote Social Club on Wed night and videoed the show. I can't say I heard people talking though Matts performance and the clapped and whistled when he started My False. Every show becomes even more enchanting and even Matt said it should have been him supporting Passenger as he has so much respect for the man. Both were brilliant in there own amazing ways.
ReplyDeleteYeah Matt has amazing talent on the axe and with his larynx. Amazing. I was blown away by the engaging Passenger set and personally wasn't 'woo-ed' out of my wits by Corby who is as talented as any muso I've seen in constructing a soundscape and 'taking people away'. Just felt like I could see Mike's heart pumping out of his chest where as I felt Matt's guitarist wasn't jumping out of his skin to be their and play his arse off. And I guess maybe it's the type of music where you relax and let in flow on stage - but I just love gigs like Passenger's where everything he possibly has, he gives.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the live music