The Bedroom Philosopher, TheBoat People, Margaret HelenKing @ ANU, Canberra (18/8/10)

Sat 21st Aug, 2010 in Gig Reviews

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY HERE!

Last Wednesday, ANU played host to Melbourne’s ex-Canberra student The Bedroom Philosopher, in what was undoubtedly a night of quality music and comedic gold.

As the crowd filtered in to the bar, locals Margaret Helen King provided the sounds, their clean, pop infused tracks setting a mellow, chilled out mood. Their soulful harmonies and sun-drenched lyrics were the perfect way to kick off the evening and their relaxed set was the perfect precursor to The Boat People, who were up next.

Showcasing tunes from their latest offering Dear Darkly, The Boat People were the perfect mix of quirky charm and slick professionalism. Getting started with the first track off the new album Under the Ocean, they played a smattering of their new stuff, including standouts Soporific and Echo Stick Guitars.

The Boat People has always been one of my favourite live acts to see. Whether in a supporting or headlining capacity, they carry off their sets like true performers, eager to please, but with a delightful amount of nonchalance. With their blissful, infectious tunes interspersed with quips and a bit of audience participation, it proved to be a pretty amazing half an hour or so.

Closing with crowd favourites from 2009’s Chandeliers, Awkward Orchard Orchid and Born in the 80’s, The Boat People left the crowd wanting more-which is how true musicians do it.

After a rather short waiting period, The Bedroom Philosopher took to the stage, accompanied by the colourful and charming Awkwardstra. The self proclaimed ‘art-folk humorist’ came armed with tracks from Songs from the 86 Tram as well as a selection from his previous releases.

Introducing the show as The Bedroom Philosopher’s Musical Clearance Sale, complete with not-so-subtle digs at every genre under the sun, he played a set that had the crowd cackling with glee, covering recent tracks such as Northcote (So Hungover) and Sudanese as well as 2005’s I’m So Post Modern and Folkstar.

Role playing from the band was required as The Philosopher waxed lyrical about what it would be like to grow up with siblings and Melbourne’s pretentious ‘artists’ were given a pretty hard time in the spectacular New Media. The show was closed with Generation ABC, a laugh out loud trip down memory lane, which included a rendition of the Degrassi theme song.

Part of The Bedroom Philosopher’s appeal is that unlike many other musical comedians, he manages to keep the show humorous and at the same time showcase actual musical talent and songs that stay in your head long after the laughs have settled.

The Bedroom Philosopher and his faithful cohorts, Awkwardstra played a wonderful, dynamic, side-splitting show and managed to warm the hearts of the gathered Canberrans – even while pointing out that we’re six months behind Melbourne. Coupled with fantastic supporting bands and the joyful mood The Bedroom Philosopher cast over the crowd, it’s safe to say that Wednesday night, ANU was the place to be.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY HERE!