Whitest Boy Alive @ TheCorner, Melbourne (16/12/2008)

Fri 19th Dec, 2008 in Gig Reviews

The last-minute announcement of a Whitest Boy Alive sideshow was welcomed by fans with rapturous enthusiasm, all eager to see the band perform in a more intimate setting than the Nevereverland festival stage. And what transpired at the Corner on Tuesday night will be remembered by all who attended as an almost perfect gig, its only flaw being that it had to end.

The late notice and minimal promotion for the Tuesday night sideshow ensured all that attended were WBA aficionados and an anxious buzz of expectation abounded. As the soft drum patter and smooth guitar melody of Don’t Give Up began to play, idle chit-chat soon turned into smiles. When Erlend Oye’s angelic voice filled the room, these smiles turned into grins of positive glee. The band seamlessly moved through other – œDreams’ tracks Golden Cage and Fireworks via extended instrumentals that were a pure joy to hear. Erlend’s infectious geek chic personality is infamous however this was not a one-man show, the band always working together under Erlend’s lead; one never over-shadowing another. During Fireworks, the keyboardist picked up his keyboard and played a solo whilst brandishing it like a keytar, even using his ‘Ron Jeremy-esque’ mustache-adorned mouth to play.

As the night went on, Erlend’s interactions with the crowd showed off his brilliant relaxed but infectious personality that led to some very humorous moments. Combine this with his unique emotive singing style, highlighted perfectly in their next song Inflation, and you can’t help but rate Erlend as one of the most talented front men around today. The group continued with Done with You and Above you who’s live recreations were so smooth and funky that the already brilliant album versions were put to shame. Before entering into crowd-favorite Burning Erlend first requested all the lights be turned off and as the superb riff came in the crowd ignited. This included some unknown girls getting up on stage and dancing around somewhat haphazardly but the band just rolled with the (air) punches.

Once most of the Dreams material had been covered it was time for the Hercules & Love Affair trumpet section to join the band for some improvised songs and covers. What followed was arguably the most enjoyable portion of the night, with Erlend leading the talented trumpeters through an improvised – œjam’ session, even employing his hand and pursed lips as his own makeshift trumpet for a – œtry and copy me’ shtick. They then broke into some brilliant covers including _Armand Van Helden’s You Don’t Know me into Alan Braxe & Fred Falke’s Penthouse Serenade into Hercules and Love Affair’s own You belong. A taster of their new album, due March 09 was also played titled Courage, and if it is any indication of the rest of the album then it should be brilliant.

Two encores and two hours after it started the huge grin on Erlend’s face as he sung Portishead’s Glory Box summed up everyone’s feelings; this had been a very special night unlikely to be repeated. The last-minute organization of the gig created a relaxed vibe that combined perfectly with the band, and specifically Erlend’s style, to create an intimate atmosphere where every person there felt part of the show. One can only hope they enjoyed their first trip to Australia as much as we enjoyed having them to ensure they come back soon.