Dan Kelly, Falling Joys @National Museum of Australia,Canberra (26/2/11)

Mon 28th Feb, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Having Paul Kelly as an uncle is a bit of a double-edged sword. Well, I’m assuming it is, having never actually had the musical icon as my uncle. But it seems like it would be this way, as the opportunities such relation would provide would be countered by constant comparisons and high expectations. It doesn’t seem to bother Dan Kelly however, who has paved a rather impressive path of his own over the years, creating his own sound while still allowing himself to work with his famous uncle from time to time. 
 When Kelly played a free show at the National Museum outdoor amphitheatre he was joined by some pretty special guests (and no, uncle Paul wasn’t one of them).

Falling Joys, darlings of the 90s alternative scene reunited for their first show in 15 years. The ex-Canberrans, fronted by Suzie Higgie played as the amphitheatre and surrounds filled rapidly with just as many kids as there were 30-somethings keen to relive their youth.

Their set was a greatest hits compilation of sorts, with highlights from their three albums Wish List, Psychohum and Aerial providing the perfect soundtrack to the picnicking and squealing children. Their 15 years off the stage clearly didn’t slow them down one bit, with hits like Lock It, Black Bandages and Universal Mind performed flawlessly, taking the 90s teens of the crowd on a trip down memory lane.

Soon after, Dan Kelly took to the stage, all casual flair and laidback style. He introduced himself as a storyteller, saying that his songs were mostly silly ones, with a few serious ones here and there. Opening with Fire and Ice, off 2006’s Drowning in the Fountain of Youth, Kelly played a set that took us through his 10-year plus career. Tracks such as I Will Release Myself (Unto You) and The Catholic Leader proved that Kelly is a storyteller, while single Bindi Irwin Apocalypse Jam was a crowd favourite.

Between songs Kelly told anecdotes and jokes, some which seemed to fall flat, with scattered laughter heard throughout the large crowd. This didn’t seem to bother him though, as he ploughed ahead with a confidence that was half cocky, half charming. Kelly apologised for the fact that his hit song Drunk on Election Night was a no show, as there were children in attendance. Then a guitar solo and a fond farewell later it was all over.

Leaving the National Museum that night it was clear that events like this work well for Canberra; free, in a beautiful location and appropriate for the whole family.