It’s a Saturday night at the ANU Bar…cue the mood lighting and pints and we’re ready for another night of music. People of all ages partake in elbow wars to secure a good vantage point. J Walker, the brain-child of Machine Translations, has just exited the stage.
His performance was relatively strong and for most parts engaging. The crowd favorite seemed to be She Wears A Mask, a quirky song about a strange girl. Many of which seem to be in the audience with their gyrating hips and crazy hair. To keep a bit of a romantic pace in the air, he played Need A Miracle off the latest album Seven Seven. It’s a catchy tune, complemented well with the harmonies on the acoustic guitar. It’s the kind of song that’s chilled out but still has the power to reach deep within. He lost the crowd a bit with In The Most Peculiar Place, but the crowd seemed to retain their enthusiasm and fervor in anticipation of The Audreys.
As J Walker leaves the stage, many head towards the bar. It’s such a mixed crowd, that the bar’s full resources are utilised. In one moment the bar’s packed and in the next, the elbow wars have started again. An eager crowd of people sit on the floor in front of the stage, unmoving and unwilling to give up their comfy spot, until that accidental drop of a drink.
The Audreys make the grand entrance and it’s similar to watching a good old western. They swagger onto the stage, decked out in country attire. Taasha Coates is reminiscent of a country-western Sarah Blasko, with her tiny frame and doll-like dress. Later in the set we are treated to her puppet-esque moves, very similar to Sarah’s performance style.
Their latest album When The Flood Comes is not served justice until you have heard The Audreys perform it live. The CD feels flat and void of anything to grab your attention. A live performance keeps you entranced and hypnotised. Taash is like a snake charmer, seducing the audience into complete submission. Her voice leads the band and the performance. Not to discredit the double-bass, guitar and banjo, though, as they all add to the unique sound of The Audreys.
Paradise City is a laid back number, where the double-bass gets to shine. Lyndon Gray plays with such passion and enthusiasm, the crowd seem to be nodding and swaying in unison. The next song they play, Closing Time, is a beautiful harmony with a creative use of instruments. Michael Green plays the violin as though a guitar. It’s quite entertaining and relaxing all at once. After almost lulling the audience into complete stillness, they rev everyone up with the upbeat Lay Me Down. It’s a strong change in pace and gets the crowd moving. Some rather interesting dance moves ensue. Taasha leads the revival with her energetic movements and frenetic energy.
After the show’s finished, a satisfied group leaves the ANU Bar. There are some red faces to be seen and some tired looking folk. Audrey-filled dreams await the happy punters.
