Matt Walters @ The Vanguard,Syndey (11/5/11)

Sun 15th May, 2011 in Gig Reviews

The Vangaurd was the setting for the launch of Matt Walters’ debut album Farewell Youth. Already heralded in some circles, the album features the beautiful Megan Washington and a wide selection of self-composed and collaborated tunes. In his long apprenticeship on stage Walters has toured with the likes of Liam Finn, Paul Kelly, Lisa Mitchell and countless others. For two years the Melbourne singer-songwriter has been honing his skills at gigs, in hotels pubs and rooms. It was time to see if he was ready to command the stage on his own. It’s a big job touring on the back of your first CD release, but it’s up to him and his newly formed band to make the stage all their own. Looking at tonight’s turnout and the unquestionable positive vibe of the room they definitely are on the right track.

Walters’ support for the night was Leena. They are indeed good friends and Leena has had input to Walters’ album and even made a cameo during the main event. Her set was solid and a great entrée of what was to come for the rest of the night. Walters and Band where up next and considering the cold Sydney night the punters turned out in force. They turned out in good numbers at the Vanguard to support the launch of Walters’ album.

The lights dimmed even further and the intimate setting was prepared for Walters’ imminent arrival. We where taken away to a unusual far away place by Walters’ intro music. It was sci-fi complete with exaggerated synth music and twilight zone setting. It didn’t seem to fit with the show that was to come but I may have missed some connection. Walters came out along with newly formed band Dave Symes (bass), Hamish Stuart (drums), Stuart Hunter (keys), Stephen Veal (guitar). This is an important part to mention as it was the band’s first real gig together and Walters’ first time onstage with a full ensemble.

They came on stage and got right to work and introduced their set with the track Years Ago. From the outset the presence of Walters’ acoustic guitar is still the lead considering the addition of the band. His voice was undeniably on the mark hitting the pocket with ease. His voice sounded great and just like it does on his CD and his folk influenced pop sound was the perfect soundtrack for this winter’s night in Sydney. The band blend in nicely as they carefully adapt their musicianship to fill the addition depth required of the songs. At times through the night it was slightly obvious that the band had not played together and also the need to adjust at the mixing and tuning of guitars but considering the range of his tracks this is understandable.

Standouts from the set included I Would Die For You which showed Walters’ versatility as he played the harmonica. Sleeping in New York translated well to the stage and is was the first song written and recorded for the album. It was fantastically played and a real crowd pleaser. A good touch during the night was when he dedicated a song to a long time Sydney fan and it was a non-album tune called Sold My Soul.

The band continued to power through tracks with great presence, class and warmth (which was needed considering the night). They closed the set and the night with a whirlwind country song that really ended the night powerfully. Fantastic night of well crafted home grown music. Yes, there are small things to work on, but if this is their first ever headline gig this album launch tour well be a complete success.