“They can’t all be about heartbreak and drinking”
The Fly By Night Musicians Club has long been a supporter of original musicians, so long, it seems that the original patrons have grown up and spawned musicians and grand-musicians of their own. The pile of people sprawled on the floor in front of the stage looked like a tangle of uni-students, until, eyes gradually adjusting to the dark, it became clear that this was almost exclusively a Radio National Crowd. Excepting of course, the band, the bar staff, support acts and the FasterLouder crew. This is not to say that Baby Boomers aren’t uni students, hell, they haven’t let go of anything from their youth thus far (ok, perhaps their ideals) but at least they left their picnic blankets at home.
Signed by the ABC, it stands to reason that The Audreys are well promoted and well known among Aunty’s listeners, and every gig they have had in Perth in the last few years has sold out, so perhaps they are onto a good thing, as far as moving units is concerned, but it is possible that their distribution may be a little narrow. Granted, they are a little bit country, but the magnificence of this band eclipses any lingering prejudices one might have about country music.
Vocalist (and some-time keyboard and melodica-nist) Taasha Coates has more than beauty and poise, she is clearly the goddess of the band, hers being the voice that inspired angel’s clichés, (not the Doc Neeson kind) hers is the presence that everyone wants to be in. Coates’ is the short skirt that no one (except the banjo player) would dare look up, despite the height of the stage putting her hemline at eye level for most people; and photographers. Now, come on, if you could see up god’s skirt, would you perve uninvited, or avert your eyes out of respect?
Since the last album, the band members seem to have moved closer to their potential, feeling visibly more comfortable on stage, and with each instrument occupying a place in the music for which there is no substitute. The beautiful vocal harmonies by violinist, Michael Green gave the live performance a depth and richness that completed their sound perfectly. The Audreys are a band that clearly love what they do, and the feeling they get from performing live, and they somehow put the audience at ease as well. So much so, that when Coates’ wine was finished, (the subtle hint to the bar staff went unnoticed) audience members passed up to the stage three charged glasses and a half bottle to ensure she never had to go thirsty again.
As always, Tristan Goodall was hypnotically entertaining, strutting around with his banjo and assorted guitars, looking as if all his wildest dreams had been granted; twice. Frequent grins and acknowledgments passed between members, and they seemed to become the music, rather than merely playing their instruments. This on stage dynamic between members is not the kind of thing that can be faked, and their integrity is the reason they keep selling out their shows, audience members go home humming the tunes, and wondering when The Audreys will next be in town.
