The Basics, Summer Edmunds @The Zoo, Brisbane (12/11/2009)

Sat 14th Nov, 2009 in Gig Reviews

The crowd was sparse on this weeknight at The Zoo, when Summer Edmunds unobtrusively took the stage. With naught but an acoustic guitar in hand the Tasmanian solo act began, and soon had the attention of the entire venue. Her honeyed, powerful voice entranced as it rose from a husky murmur to a soaring, emotive high, with captivating, bittersweet lyrics in songs like Eight Birds and Suitcase in Japan. It takes some mighty guts for a girl to get on stage to a thin crowd in a shiny gold top and matching sparkly bow, but guts is something Edmunds isn’t lacking, and it really shows in her performance.

After the surprisingly short intermission The Basics, fresh from their European tour and toting their new album _ Keep Your Friends Close_, appeared along with several supporting musicians on guitar, vocals, keys and, later, saxophones. With this extra support, the boys take on a more robust sound with more oomph as they ring through their new material. What Do You See In Me and My Friend’s Got Troubles In His Head display the surprising power of their lyrics, and seeing a bassist picks up a violin. Kris Schroeder – œs warm, strong vocals counterpart the rich, soaring sound of Wally De Backer , the man also known as Gotye. Anyone who thinks lipsyncing is an acceptable offence obviously hasn’t seen the incredible De Backer belt out a solo while hammering maniacally at his drums. If you’ve so far missed out on seeing this man live, you’ve not experienced one of Australia’s great talents.

Finishing with the first single off the new album With This Ship the boys trundle off stage before an impressive encore calls them – utterly shocked – back on stage. Playing several of their older favourites including Hey There, the two gentlemen on saxophone went at it with an amazing saxophone battle that left the crowd crying for more. Hopefully this fantastic show means The Basics will give some thought to continuing with their extra members in the future.