Evan & The Brave, JoeOppenheimer @ The Front,Canberra (15/08/2010)

Tue 17th Aug, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Last Sunday night may have been a little doom and gloom with the rain, but it seemed the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of a few fine people. Out of the rain’s way, at The Front Gallery and Cafe a few people snuggled up to catch Sydney’s folk outfit Evan & The Brave in the cozy Lyneham venue.

As the evening’s first act kicked off around 6 pm, the crowd lazily enjoyed the fine performance of Canberra local Joe Oppenheimer. Upon first glance, Oppenheimer appeared to the eye: just like a rugged looking guy in a football jersey. But once you opened your ears, and let his quite prolific voice in, you hear greatness, you hear reflections of his influences, and you hear short stories of his world. A truly beautiful start to the night, complimented with the pitter-patter and lights – this reviewer will keep an eye out for this man.

There wasn’t that many people at the venue, but there was enough for the venue to entail some intimacy. Those there who were rugged up in warm looking scarfs and jumpers made the choice to find a place to sit (like the couch and the floor) and get comfy with their pot of tea, cup of coffee or their beer or wine.

Shortly afterwards – the five men of Evan & The Brave casually strolled to where the band was to play. The first sounds to be heard was quite spectacular – a great synchronisation of harmony and flow between percussion, guitar and vocals. The band’s key singer, Daniel Mifsud’s voice was particularly drawing and strong. His band did a great job of showing that Mifsud was not the only one who could sing pretty damn amazingly. There were many gorgeous songs to sit and nod to, like Are You Saying My Love Has Arrived? and May The Rain.

During the set the band pointed out their EP which was for sale, they also mentioned the gorgeous designs by Meeri Anne (who’s work is featured in Frankie Magazine). _“Hopefully we can it make sound as good as it looks,_” Mifsud told the audience who were drawn to the the EP.

For such a small crowd, there was the enthusiasm of that of a hundred. “One more,” chanted a few people. One person even suggested that the band play their first song again. The band finally pulled out a song by an Australian band called Memphis. A lovely rendition to close the night with. Evan & The Brave are beautiful people, who said they’d come back to Canberra when the time comes around, hopefully it’s not too far away!