Joe Neptune, Grizzly JimLawrie @ Manchester Lane,Melbourne (7/6/09)

Wed 10th Jun, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Sitting amongst the mahogany, candlelit tables of Manchester Lane, the mood is already set for an intimate performance from Joe Neptune at the launch of their debut album No Time To Go Up.

But first, the not-so-grizzly-looking support act Grizzly Jim Lawrie slips on stage to warm up the heavily air conditioned space. Audience chatter immediately drops and Lawrie’s one-man one-guitar sound lifts eyes from plates and fills ears with sound. His songs are sung sweetly by a strong, yet slightly feminine voice. They interchange between light strums of bright simple chords, and melodic finger plucking reflecting life, love and a soft spot for crime shows.

Whilst the music is pleasant, Lawrie is yet to write that undeniably catchy pop/folk song. In a scene of thriving talent, filled with many young men, their acoustic guitars and heart-felt voices, I can’t yet see what makes Lawrie a stand out. However he seems to have the attention of the crowd. He drops songs such as Debts, a clever nod to the recession, the slightly brighter I Wish I Was There, and Lullaby, which, to Lawrie’s credit, I struggled to keep my eyes open in. Towards the end of the set, audience attention seems to divert to personal priorities. Can lyrics ever rhyme a bit too much? Perhaps, yes. The set is a solid mix of acoustic folk ballads and some bright pop songs. If he can conjure up that melodic gem, and figure out how to really bring that extra something special to a live performance, he’ll be on his way to somewhere a bit more spectacular.

Joe Neptune take the stage. It is their “very first Joe Neptune Melbourne show” says Nick Vorrath – one half of the Neptune’s core. He and the other half, Jarrod Brown, are not new to the music scene. As soon as those familiar vocal harmonies are hit and folk melodies belted it is clear they reign from already established Melbourne outfit Custom Kings. Joined by Craig on drums, they fill the stage with light beards, buttoned shirts, and an array of instruments. Their most popular song, and the title of their debut album No Time To Grow Up is dropped early in the set and proves to be the stand out of the night.

Behind me the room has filled out with eager ears, and no one can deny this beautiful folk song a nod of the head, a tap of the foot and a quiet hum of the melody. Vorrath and Brown deliciously soak the room with sunny, complementing harmonies. They are equally front men, each taking the vocal lead on the songs they personally wrote. Between them they share acoustic and electric guitars, dappled with groovin’ bass lines and melodious touches of keys. Each instrument, as well as Craig’s light, pacey drums, contributes prominently to the songs, seeping warm sound into all corners of the room.

Songs such as Make It Happen and Name Of The Father provide more of a rootsy feel to the show. The set includes most of if not their entire album, including – to my and the crowd’s delight – an ever so intimate solo of I should See My Love No More, with Vorrath centre stage. In Drift Away, pre-recorded violins kick in to prominent perfection, as if a violinist is stashed behind the curtains. It’s these nuanced additions, which later include maracas, an electric drum pad and a brief onstage guest on sax for Here Now, Waiting, that add a lot to the act, however some songs run together a bit too much.

Joe Neptune are laid back, jokey guys, and the set is filled with relaxed between-song banter. Vorrath tells us ‘All Joe’s get in for free, so if you’re name is Joe and you payed, collect your refund at the door.’ Songs ending the set include Sister Come Home, The Pretenders and lyrical one-liner Only Rose. Joe Neptune’s sound is consistent, perhaps a bit too consistent, and the crowd isn’t eager enough to demand an encore.

It isn’t a set that would convert a stranger to their music into a fan. However they give a solid performance, and the album holds a few gems. If you’re already a fan, get along to a show and you’ll enjoy it.