Basement Birds @ The Metro,Sydney (20/08/10)

Fri 27th Aug, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Arriving at the Metro, we were warmly welcomed by dozens of colourful bird shaped kites adorning the stage, wings widely embracing the people below. Old Man River was already playing, but the low volume and modest size of the crowd, often chatting amongst themselves, meant it felt more like a dinner party with background music than a live gig.

Frontman Ohad Rein has a cheerful but modest stage presence, with limited verbal interactions with the crowd. The single You’re on My Mind was received like an old friend and was the turning point for the vibe in the room.

How this gig was not sold out is astounding considering the excitement that has surrounded the Basement Birds, a supergroup made up of Josh Pyke, Kevin Mitchell (aka Bob Evans, Jebediah), Kav Temperely (Eskimo Joe) and Perth singer songwriter Steve Perkins. The strength of the Basement Birds set was easily, as expected, the vocals; and of this we were convinced from the first song. The four part harmonies were simply beautiful and while folk was the dominant theme, a range of influences could be heard.

At times it felt like the Josh Pyke and Kevin Mitchell show (not a bad thing!) but there was a fairly even share of the lead ‘frontman’ throughout the night. It made for an unpredictable set, though not unsettling; there was a seamless transition between songs and roles.

Songs such as Not the One began as a solo and gradually, verse by verse, built a layer of sound until the whole band was once again on stage. It was a lovely progression to watch. The constant shift of instruments kept it feeling fresh, as we periodically welcomed and then waved off a double bass, banjo, various guitars and keys, as well as Kevin Mitchell impressing everyone on the harmonica. Skin of the Sky saw Josh Pyke and Steve Parkin add a playful touch with simple, but very sweet, whistling melodies.

The band’s cover of Sarah Blasko’s All I Want, originally performed at the APRA Awards, brought the crowd to a standstill with harmonies that hit in a haunting way, leaving behind a trail of goose bumps. Minimal acoustics allowed for the vocals to linger in the air, stretching out every note. It is rare to see a cover equal, if not rival, the original (and that’s from a dedicated Sarah Blasko fan). It really was breathtaking.

They may have been dubbed a super group, but there was no cocky rock star vibe. Instead, they played a geeky rendition of the Grease soundtrack and a fun, upbeat take on The Preset’s My People, which they have recorded for triple j’s Like a Version. Kevin Mitchell’s regular swigs from his signature bottle of red continued to win him points with the crowd, as the four singer/songwriters bantered on stage like old mates.

The final Waterlines was the perfect way to wrap up a really memorable show. Their threats that it may be the only tour were loudly rejected by the crowd. Let’s hope they reconsider; it would be a shame to leave their unique sound buried in the basement.

Check out the photos from the gig