Forget the Olympics. There is free music on offer at Transit Bar. Celebrating the release of Chandeliers, The Boat People commenced their tour along with The Dawn Collective and mcArtney, entertaining a young and enthusiastic Canberra crowd.

While some patrons watched Denmark and Russia battle it out in mens handball at the Beijing Olympics on the tele, Tim of mcArtney quietly kicked off the evening. A professionally trained musician, the singer/songwriter took the stage solo assisted by his guitars, playing melodic tracks including Circles from his home recorded debut release Volume One. Immediately engaging the audience with his friendly and casual conversation, mcArtney attracted a strong and enthusiastic viewing. Several fans came especially to see mcArtney and they were treated to a few biographical songs about the doldrums and love. Musical influences include Jeff Buckley and Ryan Adams. He also covered the classic Beatles tune With A Little Help From My Friends, which got the crowd singing along. Unperturbed by the background chatter and bar clatter, Tim played and sang beautifully, only slightly distracted by FL’s lovely Mary taking glamour shots. Already getting airplay in the US and Australia, mcArtney definitely has the potential for wider appeal outside the indie genre.

Next up, The Dawn Collective, a smartly dressed five piece from Sydney treated Canberra to jazzy, indie rock accompanied by cello and percussion. The group has a distinct sound that crosses between classical, jazz and dramatic rock, featuring prominent and collective vocals in tracks such as Eat Drink For Tomorrow We Die. Adding to the originality of their sound, the drummer worked the toms of his kit and tapped away on the djembe, a hand drum commonly used in the Middle East and Africa. The track A Russian Trilogy featured a brief trilogy of percussion courtesy the alluring bassist, cellist and drummer while the others rocked out on guitars. While the crowd had somewhat dissipated at this point, plenty more stuck around. After the show, fans picked up some tidy merchandise direct from the band. No doubt these fans will be there when the group is expected to return in November this year following the release of their debut album.

The first gig to launch Chandeliers was not the sole occasion for the evening. It was also keyboardist/vocalist Robin’s birthday and The Boat People appealed to the crowd to help celebrate. The audience promptly offered a quick rendition of happy birthday before the Brisbane boys brought on indie pop delights that you just can’t help but bop along to. Almost instantaneous, a group of lively patrons sprang out of their seats to dance upfront and the mob only grew as the evening progressed. However, due to the hour being well past midnight, those a little too sleepy reluctantly departed before the night’s end. For the fans that remained, the boys played tracks from the back catalogue Unsettle My Heart and Tell Someone Who Cares. But the night was about showcasing their new album, playing tongue twisting track Awkward Orchid Orchard and romantic tunes On Your Side and Light Of Love (You Gotta A…). Raising cheers from the crowd when they whipped out Born In The 80s, the glam indie girls and facial hair clad boys bopped along. The Boat People’s catchy and infectious repetitive lyrics make them indie pop professionals. Robin declared positive impressions of Canberra and that they shall return. We hope so! The Boat People kindly interacted with fans after the show while The Dawn Collective and mcArtney prepared for the journey back to Sydney.