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Like a true troubadour, Tim McArtney (mostly just referred to as mcArtney) has been travelling to and fro across the country to launch his delightful new single Less Games, More Love. Stopping by Canberra, mcArtney took his band along to Kingston’s Holy Grail to play a free show.

Originally the show was to see mcArtney being supported by Canberra folk duo, Marianne Mettes and her delightful dejembe playing brother Jonathan. Sadly, Marianne had to cancel last minute as she had come down with bronchitis. The supporting role was soon snatched up by local newcomer, Tim Maloney.

Come the night of mcArtney’s show; upon entrance to the Holy Grail you could say that the atmosphere was most welcoming. Typicality of lighting was dim and moody; the venue; spacey and scattered; the people were the cozy type with a beverage of choice. Where to start? The bar! There a charming barmen shared the same love as this reviewer for Monteith’s ‘Boutique’ Cider which is the best cider in the world.

A schooner later, feeling comfortably lonesome at a table, this reviewer watched the kooky looking yet ruggedly handsome Tim McArtney take to the stage. Introducing himself, he pointed out the irony of opening the show up for himself. Playing on his own in this particular environment of singularity, this reviewer felt a real connection with mcArtney. He projected himself out as if he was directing it at somebody in the room.

Afterwards, mcArtney introduced his supporting act: Tim Maloney. Maloney went on to introduce himself and his band as The Tim Maloney Project. Opening up with a song called Carry You the listener is introduced to a mysterious meche of notes. Then all of a sudden, you are hit with Tim Maloney’s voice; strangely deep, divine and unique. The mix up with the violin is actually makes the music hauntingly emotional. Songs which stood out within the band’s repertoire were Sleep Talking, Now I Know, Midnight and closing up with a cleverly placed song for last: This Is Goodnight.

When mcArtney returned to the stage for the second time – this time round he had his band behind him. They opened up with the tour’s single: Less Games, More Love, Colour My World In, Circles, I’ll Come Get You and closing his set with the lovely and sweetly sung, I Know There’s More To Life. mcArtney could be like the Australian version of Jason Mraz in the sense that his music is engaging, passionate and fun. It’s mcArtney who witholds something in the way he sings which makes him the likeable musician that he is. This reviewer looks forward to his return, and his forthcoming release volume two… for her.

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