Taylor, Coby Grant @ TheBasement (26/3/09)

Tue 31st Mar, 2009 in Gig Reviews

As we’ve come to expect from the (very few) great ‘Original Music’ venues on the Gold Coast, The Basement once again placed under the spotlight two exceptional musical talents.

The low ceilings, candle lit tables and tastefully thespian decor was the perfect setting for the nights entertainment. Which (first up) came in the form of gorgeous, Melbourne based singer/songwriter
Coby Grant. Supported by kind-hearted-looking base player Scott Thornburn, Coby confidently introduces herself and friend with a cute coyness that leads you to believe that even she didn’t know how good her music was about to sound. From the first track ‘Everything I Need’ the audience was hushed and intense, a feeling of ‘blink-and-you-might-miss-a-smile-or-some-eye-contact’ swept across crowd.

Is she a popped-up Nora Jones? A folked-down Joss Stone? I think she’s just, Coby Grant. Her key perfect voice seems to power from her petite frame with such ease that you begin to live her songs. Start believing she is a sweet voiced narrator in your head full of memories. Stand out songs include – œ_Heartbeat_’, – œ_Music_’ and the single off her brand new EP – œ_A Song About Me_’. Coby humbly returned to the stage after a rousing request for encore and treated us to one more. A decadent rhythm and blues dipped dessert – œ_What I’m Missing_’. The lights come up a touch, the audience snaps back to reality and impressed murmurs begin. It’s obvious upon a quick look around the venue that Falafel burgers and Nacho’s are cold… And beers, wines and vodka’s have long gone warm.

Thanks to the quaint stage, slight frame of Ms Grant and the now even more obviously low ceilings, an imposing 6 piece band take the stage. Front man Dave Taylor, looking every bit folk/blues muso, is cosily surrounded by; a slick looking guitarist with a bowler hat, ponytail and a shiny dobro, a drummer hidden behind an impressive silver kit, a Brazilian looking bassist, a female vocalist that could have been straight out of an ABBA film clip from the late 70’s, and an interesting looking surfy in a dinner jacket wielding a mandolin! Introducing the band as – œthis form of expression we have come to know as “Taylor”’, the guitarist lets us know the first song is called – œ_It Takes Time_’. Dave’s low, pensive tone sets a mood that sits perfectly with the crowd.

The next few tracks showcase some of the most professional and beautiful, song writing and arranging I’ve witnessed from a (previously unknown to me) local band. I’m getting vibes of B-side Cold War Kids and Elbow. Dave’s facial expressions tell the story almost as clearly as the eloquently penned prose. The energy and fun present between band mates is infectious and their between song banter makes for some fresh, honest and hilarious time wasting.

It’s about now that the guitarist, let’s us in on a little secret. He and the drummer are ex-*George*. Before you’ve got too much time to think about it, we’re privy to the rollicking - œI Don’t Remember Anything Well’. A couple of tracks later 5 band members leave the stage for Dave to stand alone for a stunning track – œ_Sailor_’. Quirkily timed, powerfully written, it’s a standout for me. The band return for – œ3 more’ we’re told. – œ_Get On Board_’ is a raucous, brutally honest, lusty ho-down with – œ_Come To Me_’ and – œ_Gemma_’ rumbling deliciously in tow. The last, more – œuppity’ tracks have a paradoxical grit and polishedness reminiscent of early Gomez.

The team leave the stage before a deliberate, cheesy and cheeky return for an encore track. – œ_When The Wind Takes Your Feet_’ sounds exactly as you would imagine it. It travels, it lifts, it shows you colours and messes up your hair. Surely if Elliott Smith was ever positive, this is what he’d have sounded like.
No need to keep your eyes peeled for these two great artists. I’m fairly certain Coby Grant and Taylor will be everywhere you look before long, and I’ll be in the crowd.