The Happening: Matt Costa, ZeeAvi, Neil Halstead, WillConnor @ The Zoo (28/03/2010)

Fri 9th Apr, 2010 in Gig Reviews

...and on the 7th day he rested. The Happening 2010 is exactly what Sunday sessions should be. Three-quarters of the way up the stairs it’s blindingly clear that this is not your usual Sunday gig at The Zoo. For starters, the lights are on. Well, they’re on the art work. Yep, along with the musical display, The Happening 2010
showcases various mediums of hanging art from a host of talented folk. But speaking of folk, back to the task at hand.

Maybe it’s because the lights mean anonymity is out the window or maybe it’s the feel-good, community vibe that hangs thick in the air, but making your way through the crowd to front of stage is easy and met only with parting bodies and whispered apologies. Will Connor is dabbing away at his acoustic 6-string while an upright double-bass gets a tickle too. Connor sets the kind of mood you feel after a few beers with a mate that’s pretty handy on the guitar and is forthcoming with busting it out. A real good mate. His voice is neat and pleasant. His set is nothing amazing, but fun. Inviting a crowd pleasing local in the form of surfing protégé turned environmentalist, David Rastovich to play some bongos, the lounge room jam-session vibe solidifies further. Connor leaves us with Heads, a tune he explains, he was commissioned to write, for an upcoming surfing feature directed by industry god George Greenough; it’s simple and light with the perfect amount of corn and leaves a feeling of ‘Ah, I remember being that optimistic’.

During the break beautifully arty surf-footage dances across the back wall. Even wearing a Lamontagne-esk beard and a fisherman’s hat, Englishman Neil Halstead goes almost unnoticed as he begins strumming up a bouquet of short, ambient, folk offerings. There’s a slight issue with one of the speakers which is fuzzing as if Jack White was playing lead. This goes seemingly unnoticed too. Asking for stage lights to be dimmed, Halstead’s set turns to perfect, floating soundtrack. Though probably not perfect for self promotion, Halstead’s knack for creating a mood that becomes an atmosphere is a testament to his humbleness and pure talent.

Zee Avi takes the stage to the tightest packed crowd of the night. The tiny Malaysian singer-songwriter has a seriously strong local following and we’re about to discover why. Hugging what appears to be an over-sized guitar, Avi’s intro is an ultra-cute a Capella ditty. Though it’s said all-too often about talented singers, Avi’s voice belies her appearance; it’s smooth, thick and warm like the tastiest custard. The sound produced is apparently effortless and is the oldest 23 year-old voice in 4 decades. Far-fetched comparisons spring to mind, names like Springfield and Fitzgerald, names that epitomise flawlessness and are shrouded in untouchability. Self appraised as minimal post-modern romantic, Avi possesses a naivety and cuteness that grounds her deep, soulful sound. Honey Bee and Bitter Heart are gorgeously convincing displays.

The crowd feels to have thinned slightly by the time American indie-folkster Matt Costa takes the stage. Like Avi, Costa is part of Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records stable and tunes like crowd favourite Sunshine are as tight, yet relaxed as you’d expect from an artist mentored by the slinky surfer-singer. Triple j air-hog from a couple of years back Mr Pitiful is typically bright and fun and lives up to all preconceptions. But it’s Costa’s darker, artier, and lesser-known songs that stand out tonight. Cold December and Astair are gorgeous, while Whisky and Wine engages with the kind of emotion and imagery reminiscent of the great Donovan. Costa is a strangely aloof performer and has a nonchalant magnetism that’s undeniable and perfect for the relaxed, ocean-comes-to-you feel of the event. The art, the music and the vibe convince you that there’s a sea-side smell in the air and you know the smiles and holiday chill will follow you home tonight.