Whitley, Gossling, Seagull @Jive, Adelaide (23/05/10)

Sat 26th Jun, 2010 in Gig Reviews

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.

The crowd had lined up early outside of Jive to catch a glimpse of what was to be a retrospective night for many punters, for this was the last solo tour that Lawrence Greenwood, aka Whitley, would be embarking on in Australia. After nearly 5 years touring and recording and with two well-received albums under his belt, the Victorian singer-songwriter felt that now was the time to end it all. It only took one look around at the sold-out venue to realize how much of an impact Whitley has made on the local music scene, with both the upstairs and ground levels of Jive filled to the brim to witness this farewell solo-acoustic performance.

The support acts were rightfully Victorian and good friends of the main act. First up was Melbourne artist Seagull, who performed his set in a very awkward and shy manner. Aside from the drawn-back façade, Seagull certainly let his music speak for itself. Well crafted, stripped back acoustic music was certainly on show, with the young artist performing soothing, atmospheric tracks that were backed up by a fine voice, almost reminiscent of Whitley himself. His gazing stares out into the crowd displayed a great deal of concentration and introspect throughout the relatively short set.

Up next was Melbourne songstress Helen Croome, better known under the moniker of Gossling, who also chose to play in a solo format. Her voice was completely captivating; perhaps best described as a combination of Julia Stone and Joanna Newsom, though unique in its own right. What really rang true about Gossling’s set was the honesty with which she performed her songs. The audience hung on every word, and clever songs like Paper Boat had many crowd members smiling. Beside her vocal ability, Croome showed she is at home behind the piano, with a real jazz-like feel to many of her songs, harking back to early Norah Jones recordings. This was complemented well by the intimate Jive setting, which allowed the songstress to speak freely with the crowd between songs and displayed her in a more personal light.

It’s hard to really explain the enjoyment that is gained out of a Whitley performance, be it solo or with a band in support. Knowing that the performance would be an acoustic affair, I wondered how the songs from his most recent album Go Forth, Find Mammoth would sound in a more stripped-back environment. Opening with Cheap Clothes from first album The Submarine, Whitley immediately proved his worth as a solo artist. Songs like Bright White Lights and crowd-pleaser Lost In Time soon followed, and the show began to feel like a retrospective journey down memory lane, with a real sentimental feel hanging over the venue. It was at this point that Greenwood started bantering with the crowd, telling jokes between songs and leaving the crowd hanging on every word. He even spoke to his guitar at various stages, as if it were his sidekick, in both a comedic and musical sense.

Most impressive though was Whitley’s ability to go from funnyman to reflective, accomplished artist in an instant. Songs like More Than Life, I, and The Piece You Took From Me were all interpreted expertly in an acoustic setting, and more popular tracks such as I Remember and Killer garnered a great response from the attentive and rapturous crowd. Continuing with the between-song anecdotes, Whitley covered many experiences, from an encounter with a fan in Geelong unhappy with the price of tickets for his show, to his time spent with a hypnotherapist in order to be rid of his alcoholic ways. Funny as it was, I’m still not sure if I believe it or not.

The highlight of the night was Whitley’s performance of All Is Whole, which, stripped back to an acoustic adaptation, was even more effective than the original recording. It was a song that really exposed the brilliance of Greenwood’s poetic ability to be able to pen a song that is as sentimental as it is inspiring. This sentiment rang out through each song, and the encore of single Head, First, Down was a special moment for the Jive crowd, with every member of the audience singing the chorus in unison in a most joyous manner.

Whitley truly proved what an entertainer he is on a cold Adelaide night, bringing the crowds in and proving that his music will be missed by many fans. Perhaps Greenwood may change his mind down the track, perhaps he will sit on a mountain somewhere and write another album (as he ambitiously stated during the show). Whatever may occur, we will always be able to reminisce on a short yet successful musical venture.

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.