Donny, Kate Grealy, HelloSatellites @ The Front,Canberra (23/1/11)

Wed 26th Jan, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Sunday night is generally subdued, relaxed and a little drowsy. The Front’s* line up of Donny, Kate Greary and headliners Hello Satellites fit this mood to the tee.

Hello Satellites is collaborative project, spearheaded by Melbourne songbird Eva Popov and featuring a pretty talented group of musicians. Their floaty, multi-instrumental sound was perfectly at home at The Front, as friends and locals kicked back with a drink or two. Support came, first in the form of the rather mysterious Donny (Open Pinata) and then with the Joni Mitchell-esque Kate Grealy, whose strong and soulful voice delighted the chilled out crowd.

Hello Satellites took to the stage barefoot and casual, no air of pretence whatsoever. Engaging in lively banter with the crowd endeared them to everyone and nothing, not even the lure of the amazing vintage clothes just a few steps away could distract from their enchanting set.

Eva’s voice is the kind that commands attention without being demanding of its audience, instead gently filling a room. Her powerful vocals coupled with the sounds of a violin, glockenspiel, piano accordion and more, created a mix of gypsy folk, powerful soul and ethereal pop, a combination that worked oh-so-well.

Hello Satellites played tracks off their debut album We Love Your Senses, including Stars, Building A Wall and the toe-tapping Pelican as well as the beautiful Wild Hungry and haunting Animal.

Halfway through the set we were told we had reached the ‘live portion’ of the evening and were asked to put all sharp implements away and refrain from heavy drinking. However, we were promised a happy ending and that’s exactly what we got.

Hello Satellites performed with a blend of quiet elegance and sunny dispositions, which was enough to ensure that if they return, I’ll definitely check them out.