Paul Dempsey @ The Fly ByNight, Fremantle (28/01/11)

Mon 31st Jan, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Spot yourself in Chig’s album

It was a hot, hot night at The Fly By Night Musician’s Club in Fremantle. The floor was covered with people sitting cross-legged trying not to break into a sweat. Despite lacking an effective cooling system, The Fly By provides a great atmosphere and a fantastic space for acoustic performances. Punters continued to sit as local lass Felicity Groom filled the room with her presence and showladyship.

Feeling right at home, Groom doesn’t hesitate to make an impression. Parted from her band (The Black Black Smoke) for one night, it became apparent how magical her solo performance is. Switching from guitar to harp and back again, Groom held her own with slow paced and powerful folk melodies. Her budding talent deserved more recognition than it got.

Fans greeted Paul Dempsey warmly, as he started the night with Bats. He’s become a bit of a sex symbol since going solo from Something For Kate. Many admirers were drinking him in, some holding their hand to their hearts and closing their eyes as they sang along to the lyrics. A little excessive, but warming to see Dempsey’s hard work is greatly appreciated. And why wouldn’t it be? His first solo album, Everything is True (2009) showcases Dempsey’s brilliant story telling and intricate way with words.

One fan spotted a tattoo on Dempsey’s inner left arm, still fresh and stinging. Another fan yelled out to him to take his shirt off… To which Dempsey replied: “Well… that would be a different kind of show”

The chuckles continued to roll when Dempsey switched guitars for a solo version of Something For Kate’s Beautiful Sharks. “Don’t make fun of my [tiny] guitar!” Other than those moments it was a very meditative night. Everyone was at a stand still throughout the whole set, immersed in Dempsey’s romantic notions about life. They were particularly excited to hear a sneak preview of the new song off the new Something For Kate album due later this year; Survival Expert. Dempsey followed with popular single Bird in a Basement from the Everything is True album.

Dempsey glided right into the encore with Out of the Airlock; a solo version of Asleep at the Wheel which had fans cheering loudly and to finish the night with the latest single, We’ll Never Work in this Town Again. Punters thoroughly enjoyed themselves but all rushed towards the exit to escape the sauna like conditions.