Holly Throsby, Laura Jean, CatCat @ ANU Bar, Canberra(15/4/11)

Sun 17th Apr, 2011 in Gig Reviews

It was a typical, chilly Canberra night when Holly Throsby pulled into town, continuing her tour which has been winding it’s way around the country since the start of March. The Canberra leg was held at ANU Bar, which while being a rather sizable venue is intimate enough for Throsby’s delicate, stripped back sound. The night kicked off at 7.30pm, early for a gig but a godsend for those wanting to get out of the cold.

Local lads Cat Cat took first support slot, playing for the early birds and their loyal fans who had gathered for their set. Their smooth brand of indie pop was, as always a crowd pleaser, with tracks such as Bobby Killed The Cat and The Doldrums plus new track Uralba providing the perfect background as people filtered in and queued up at the bar. The show was the last for the boys before they relocate to Melbourne and they definitely saved the best until last, their set acting as just the right precursor for what was to come.

By half past eight the bar was filling up rapidly, ensuring that a pretty dense crowd had formed for Melbourne songbird Laura Jean. The ethereal folk singer’s light melodies and strong voice had the audience captivated as she showcased tracks from previous albums Our Swan Song and Eden Land. Jean hasn’t released anything since her 2008 album, but is currently working on a third LP, and if her performance on Friday night is any indication, it will be well worth the wait.

A forty minute break gave late stragglers the chance to get to the bar before Holly Throsby came on and by the time she took to the stage an excited fan base had gathered in front of the stage. Dainty and waif-like, Throsby seated herself centre stage, surrounded by members of her band, The Hello Tigers. Throsby played a set that was enchanting, magnetic and powerful, which is exactly what one expects from the charming singer-songwriter. Highlights were definitely her Triple J Like A Version track, You Am I’s Berlin Chair, along with the beautiful When, 2010’s Here Is My Co-Pilot and One Of You For Me.

Throsby has been doing the rounds for a while and upon seeing her live it’s easy to see why she is still such a presence on the Australian music scene. Not just relying on her amazing vocals and honest, intelligent songwriting ability, Throsby possesses a likeability that makes her a joy to watch on stage, a quality which even the most seasoned musicians lack.
 After making her way back on stage for an encore, Throsby left to sign merchandise, no doubt leaving a trail of awe-struck, swooning young men in her wake, having just shown us why she is so deserving of every piece of critical acclaim that comes her way.