John Cale and OrchestraVictoria, @ The State ArtsCentre, Melbourne (16/10/2010)

Tue 19th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

The past and future endured a provisional collision, as the practicing perpetrator of punk-derived finesse, John Cale, filled the State Theatre to reprise the incantations of his 1973 album, Paris 1919. Evidently an all ages event, the Melbourne Festival based show met a punctual patronage of diverse generations, who gathered diligently to The Arts Centre on Saturday at strictly 7.30pm.

Anxiety penetrated the air in anticipation for the illustriously talented member of experimental punk pioneers The Velvet Underground. It would appear that even Andy Warhol himself could not have publicised the event to a healthier extent, with the venue filled to capacity on the first of his Melbourne appearances.

Atypical yearning yelps ensued at the arrival of his band and accompaniments, Orchestra Victoria , who could not contain their eager expressions. The hum of hysteria brewed in the beckoning audience, who desperately searched for signs of the connoisseur of literature infused lyricism. Enthused whispers escalated to exaggerated claps from the freshly fed patrons, as the flamingo tipped tresses of the Welshman at last perched beneath the spotlight.

Addressing his Melbourne audience from behind a kurzweil, John Cale permitted the past to be actualised, beginning his set with the familiar tones of his seminal album, establishing the durability of Paris 1919 as the eclectic audience emitted instantaneous approval. The maintained favouritism of tracks such as Child’s Christmas in Wales, Hanky Panky nohow and Half past France, were granted a fresh approach in the renovations applied by the beauty infested within the Victorian based Orchestra.

An ill-fitting suit and anxious expressions adorned by the acclaimed artist were reconditioned during an extended interval, with the introduction of more relaxed attire, including a shift from suit pants to skinny jeans. The wardrobe change was combined with a shift from pianist aficionado to acoustic guitar militant, as Cale proceeded to pick to pieces the conventions of historical happenings.

Heckled by his holiest of fans to play previous works in the likes of Sabotage and King Harry, the demure response met was “We have some new songs”, much to the disappointment of those confident enough to vocalise their opportunist opinions. Further audience interactions were in abundant with off topic comments of “Fire your hairdresser” and “You’re still sexy John”, crafting the literate sleuth into the acceptance of the contemporary.

Submission at the hands of overpowering crowd response was undertaken by a dual encore from the coveted performer, showcasing an ironic reincarnation of Pablo Picasso by the Modern Lovers in sync with the Art Centre locale. Vigorous rolls of the tongue were in abundance, emulating the ravenous vocalism of punk poser, Johnny Rotten.

Though the absence of Velvet Underground compositions may have disappointed CBGB crusaders, the consistency demonstrated in sync with Paris 1919 and the cohesive relations maintained with both his band and orchestra, crafted a testament to the longevity of the stylistic conventions of the album. Having endured a lifetime of successive accomplishments, John Cale’s performance established that his merit manifests purely in his commitment to perseverance.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT HERE