Basement Birds @ AstorTheatre, Perth (13/08/10)

Thu 19th Aug, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Sharpshooter’s Gallery

What can you expect from Australia’s super league of musical genius? Comprising members Steve Parkin (solo singer/song writer), Kav Temperly (Eskimo Joe), Josh Pyke and Kevin Mitchell (Bob Evans, Jebediah), you know there must have been some debate over who gets to play the harmonica.

Perth’s Astor Theatre looked a treat, draped around the stage were colourful bird shaped kites. Rows and rows of birds hung from the lighting rail – those with cameras snapped away with childlike curiosity. All the seats were filled as The Sun Orchestra took to the stage. Bringing us a delicate set full of heartfelt lyrics as people filed in to sit on the ground waiting patiently for the Basement Birds.

Sydney based Old Man River played an excellent set despite the lack of response from the night’s crowd. Riding through with mandolins and tambourines, front man Ohad Rein and his melodic pop sunken voice got a few heads bopping with more the more popular psychedelic pop tunes of Sunshine and _You’re On My Mind. _

The Basement Birds stepped out onto the stage greeted like Gods; with stomping cheers fueled with excitement. The first thing you notice is each signature hair style, Temperly with his dark luscious hair slicked back, Mitchell and his curly blonde mop, Pyke channeled his inner teenage wolf and Parkin found comfort in going without; each voice being more distinct than the hair on their heads. They hit us first with Waiting For You – Punters were seemingly hypnotized and swaying side to side.

Temperly proved that he is more than the brooding rocker from the Eski Joes with Holly. Carrying it around like a sack of ARIAS, Temperly’s way with words and passionate delivery were certainly impressive. Surprisingly fitting in with the folky three better than I had anticipated. Mitchell may have won the harmonica privileges, but Pyke got a bigger cheer for wippin’ out a shaker. Watching the band exchange witty banter and involving the audience with their little ‘in’ jokes makes for an intimate feel in a not so intimate setting. An unknown compared to his national icon band mates, Parkin didn’t stand in the shadows. Talented in his own right on the keys, velvety smooth voice, plus his ability to whistle in tune will see him being an alternative poster boy very soon.

Pyke proudly claims the least pop sounding song on the album as his favourite; Ghosts filled the room with a haunting chill. With perfect harmonies, the four sound like they were born to make music together. With a nursery rhyme melody, Bus Stop livened up the evening with some cute female vocals to back it up.

Leaving us with a false sense that the set was finished on Cinnamon and Smoke, we didn’t budge. Coming back for an encore; Mitchell looked classy as ever downing red wine from a plastic cup. A cover of The Presets My People seemed to get the most engaging response. Being more familiar with the lyrics, people yelled out the words, jumped around pretending we were in a club – it was nothing short of amazing. They finished with Waterlines, a very mellow lullaby that doesn’t sound entirely like a lovechild of a drinking session.

Call them ARIA snatchers, call them a super group – truth is they are just four friends making bullshit free music together.