Jim Ward, Ash Santilla @ DingDong Lounge, Melbourne(4/12/2008)

Sun 7th Dec, 2008 in Gig Reviews

Jim Ward took to the stage at Ding Dong Lounge on Thursday night for perhaps the most stripped back and intimate show Melbourne punters have had the pleasure of witnessing from the Sparta front man. Having also been an integral part of seminal band At The Drive In, the fact that Ward was both solo and playing in a much smaller venue than normal set the scene for an intimate and emotive night. Playing a set showcasing both Sparta classics and songs from recent project Sleepercar, Ward quickly won over the dedicated audience.

It was deemed necessary once again to ignore the hundreds of talented singer songwriters from Melbourne to let another rock front man leave the band at home and bash away in a solo capacity. This has never been my favourite thing, mostly because there is no need for it, but Ash Santilla from 67 Special did start out quite well. Adorned with oversized cowboy hat and some half decent songs, his set only became obnoxious towards the end when he picked up the electric guitar and started yelling into the mic. Keep that for the band Ash, and concentrate on the laid back country next time.

Either way it didn’t really matter, for soon after Jim Ward took the stage. A seemingly humble character, Ward kept the chatter to a minimum for the most part, quietly explaining the meaning of one song here, sincerely thanking the crowd there. His sound was immediately better than his predecessor, the guitar was clean, the voice restrained yet strong. From the very beginning he had won over the majority of the crowd, who sang along on almost every song and took it upon themselves to provide percussion at various times throughout the set. As glimpses of that voice had began to show through on tracks like A Broken Promise and Fences Down, Ward introduced Sparta classic Breaking The Broken by humbly admitting he may have forgotten the words and stated that – œyou guys will have to help me sing – œem’. Obviously the lads in the audience didn’t need to be asked twice, and when the whole room sang the refrain – œI wouldn’t change what I got, not for anything’ and kept on into the last chorus until end, the shackles were off. Introducing the next song about his cousin, Ward had the full attention of the crowd, affirming afterward – œThis is fucking fun’.

Quieter moments such as Wednesday Nights were captivating respites between the more upbeat strummings of Kings And Compromises and boisterous Stumble In. All too quickly Ward stated that he was about to play his last song, and that he (rightly) didn’t believe in encores. Thanking the crowd and stating that – œI have good thing going with this country’, the set ended on a quieter note before it was over all too soon. It had been an informal yet personal night, reflecting a genuine talent from the artist and a heartfelt devotion from the crowd. No doubt the next time Jim Ward makes it to our shores, whether it be with Sparta or Sleepercar or whatever else he decides to try his hand at, he will find himself more than welcome, as tonight was a great night of music that was wholeheartedly appreciated by the fans.