Liam Finn, Denim Owl @ TheWorker's Club,Melbourne(04/05/2010)

Thu 6th May, 2010 in Gig Reviews

It’s a real treat and a beautiful habit for anyone immersed in Melbourne’s flourishing live music scene: flicking through the pages of the local street press, somehow noticing a tiny grab of text, advertising – with modesty – an unexpected, exclusive gem of a show. Such was the case with Liam Finn’s appearance at the Worker’s Club ahead of his support of US group Wilco. Typically, word spread, and an impressive crowd were assembled, shielding themselves from a newly frosty city.

Denim Owl, a duo comprised of Aleks And The Ramps members Janita Foley and Aleks Bryant, were the supports for the evening. Initial technical faults and Foley’s awkward stage banter to cover spelled an inauspicious start, the crowd murmuring restlessly amidst efforts to set things into motion. It became clear that the house music had faded much too soon – at least long before the duo were ready to perform – and Foley was consequently forced to attempt comedy, which made matters worse. It was later revealed that neither had developed a set list for the evening, only contributing to the shambolic beginning. Not only that, between songs, they took time to untangle leads. It was all excessively unprofessional. Which is unfortunate, because the fact is this: Denim Owl are great.

Bryant, stationed in front of a desk of drums and electronic devices crafted intricate percussive loops, with Foley forming layers of gentle keys and synthesizers to create surprisingly complex compositions. Knitted Soup was amongst the highlights, at once recalling American team Beach House. Their music is perfectly dreamy, as if it were the soundtrack to a day spent adrift at sea. Denim Owl are never quite imposing, and yet they’re utterly engaging – a truly commendable effort by the duo. Certainly recommended, but one would hope that they spend time polishing their show between gigs.

Liam Finn appeared to a warm reception, easing into the evening with the mournful Fire In Your Belly. Finn would be without his drum kit, instead utilizing numerous guitars and loop pedals, the latter a staple of his live act. Songs old and entirely new were promised, and Finn quickly delivered, reliving Betchadupa’s My Army Of Birds And Gulls. 7 Worlds Collide track Red Wine Bottle and favourite Remember When soon followed, and when Finn called upon the crowd to pitch in for percussion on Better To Be, not one person let him down. Finn is an extremely talented guitarist, shredding all manner of riffs and roaring guitar bridges across the evening with the utmost energy and expertise.

Liam introduced Connan Mockasin – from their side-project BARB – to the stage, and it was an addition that would prove an interesting digression from Finn’s usual set. They indulged in performing the band’s obscurities, including the delightfully quirky Dolphin Love – in which the title suggests everything – as well as an ode to teen-heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio. I can confidently suggest that nobody would have expected such an emphatic departure from Finn’s solo work, but that’s not to say that it wasn’t received well.

Finn returned the evening to its normal programming with the title track of his debut album, I’ll Be Lightning. Soon a request was made from Keith, a random punter, to climb aboard the stage and have a dance. Naturally, the New Zealand born singer-songwriter obliged. But with frenetic single Second Chance – as well as the end of the night – looming, the crazed, Where’s-Wally-attired individual seized his moment, combining in voice with Finn to produce a truly magical highlight of the show. Each gave the song absolutely everything, as the crowd soon saw their way to get involved. An encore ensued, Finn closing proceedings with the then-apt Energy Spent, and the irresistible funk-stomp of Long Way To Go.

Many of the punters were in good spirits and hung around beyond the conclusion of the show, and it was safe to say that Liam Finn’s exclusive appearance at the Worker’s Club was a success. If there’s anything to be learned here, it’s simply this: show your gig guide some love. You’ll never know what you stumble upon.