Lenka, Matt Ralph Band @ TheVanguard (19/08/2007)

Wed 22nd Aug, 2007 in Gig Reviews

Rain, wind and a chill factor of something ridiculous – Sunday night turned out to have the perfect weather for snuggling up in one of Sydney’s cosiest venues, The Vanguard, and being witness to an intimate show shared between Lenka and her closest family and friends; her only gig in Australia between stints in L.A.

Prior to the show, the stunning singer of Decoder Ring flitted between tables chatting to bandmates, parents and friends, then disappeared backstage while the Matt Ralph Band, also old friends of hers, began the night. “We used to sing karaoke together…” Lenka laughed.

While being pleasant music over dinner for the party downstairs, those in general admission soon found Matt Ralph’s country stylings wearing a little thin. True, his voice was enchanting and the trio fitted together like clockwork, but listening closely to his lyrics was ultimately a bad idea. “We stick together like, araldite,” he crooned, and waxed lyrical over sticky date pudding.

The chatting soon died down as Lenka took to the stage, and it was almost too easy to imagine that we were not at a gig at all but rather an under 10’s talent competition. She could well have been that unassuming six year old girl who made everyone’s spine tingle, wearing a spotted dress and a sparkly bow in her hair.

Beginning with a track that can be heard on her myspace, Closer, it became immediately obvious that this show was not like most. Her charm filled the room and left warm feelings all round, which only intensified when her father joined her on stage to feature on the trumpet.

As she warmed up, her voice became more and more enchanting, until it was almost difficult to concentrate. Mid-way through the set, she pulled out the big guns. “I don’t normally play this song at shows…” she began. “This is for the Decoder Ring fans in the room. And the members,” inciting a collective sigh of anticipation. Her solo version of the now famous song Somersault off Decoder Ring’s acclaimed album surpassed expectations – her own stripped back and almost light-hearted interpretation of the tune.

With the rain pouring down outside, those in the tiny audience that night witnessed something very special indeed. Trying not to gush (and avoiding making anyone jealous) I’d have to say that it was truly one of the nicest shows I have been to in a long time, and one of the most pleasant ways imaginable to spend a cold, wet winter night.