Nathan Hudson @ 34B, Sydney(8/03/08)

Wed 12th Mar, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Suitably supporting a visceral young talent, Dash & Will are the darn near cutest two-piece you’ve ever seen. Two girls (Dash and Will) with the support or a third guitar, played a string of acoustic pop songs with lyrics the like of, “I want to pick it up, let’s pick it up.” The harmonising duo are playing around the traps if you have a chance to check them out.

I can’t say enough good things about softly sung Sarah Kelly, better known as leading lady of The Red Sun Band. Kelly cut a lonesome figure, reminiscent of a longing Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star. The diminutive Kelly covered Red Sun Band tracks including their latest single Like An Arrow and Ghosts, with some backing vocal accompaniment from sister Lizzie Kelly. Kelly’s hushed vocals and lyricism was mesmerisingly beautiful, introspective and moving.

Offering us an intimate glimpse into his private world, Nathan Hudson provided a set of touching, awkward moments, tethered by his best asset – that voice. Displaying a little discomfort at the close scrutiny of acoustic performance, Hudson eased into the set, and seemed at home when focusing on vocals.

Seeing Hudson navigate his set proved fascinating. There was cover of the Cure’s Lovesong, missed progressions and a few forgotten lyrics. Little quirks like a hybrid song (the first half being part of a Microphone’s number, the second half an original because he couldn’t quite remember the rest) made for an interesting set.

Hudson’s obviously a hard task master. Somehow he held it all together and redeemed himself with anecdotes about dinner and the intensity of bright stage lights. He covered a range of unheard personals tracks and some better know Faker tunes. He evidently felt more relaxed once playing in familiar territory, when joined by Faker bassist Nic Munnings to play select tracks from Addicted Romantic and Be the Twilight. He also invited his sister on stage, and her voice was quite simply stunning.

It was bound to happen sooner or later, but what felt like the closing to an evening of intimate performances, suddenly turned into the hilarity of slightly intoxicated girls at an 18th birthday. Faker fans infiltrated 34B, breaking the concentrated intensity, leaving us with Hurricane and This Heart Attack accompanied by high pitched backing vocals. Hudson did the cordial thing and invited guitarist Stefan Gregory up to do the two guitar version, just for the ladies. Nice birthday gift!

The night offered a series of personal performances from rising stars, and a chance to see Nathan on an intimate level – before Faker go on to play those big scary stadiums.