Mad Bastards @ Mojo’s,Fremantle (28/05/11)

Mon 30th May, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Fremantle provided a perfect backdrop for the friendly crowd to experience the bittersweet soundtrack to the WA produced film, Mad Bastards. The atmosphere was one of familial cosiness and the love and support radiating from the audience was palpable. The sensation of being surrounded by people who had come to offer genuine encouragement and inspiration to The Pigram Brothers and Alex Lloyd was comforting to be part of.

The night was opened by John Bennett, who played a bluegrass-infused collection of sombre tracks. His voice sounded experienced and complemented the soulful mood of the night.

Multi-award winning and WA Hall of Fame inductees The Pigram Brothers wove an emotive soundscape inspired by the vast wilderness of the Kimberley outback. Their music is the narrative of mother country, the timelessness of the Dreaming, the spirit of Indigenous Australia and the essence of the isolation of the Kimberley all wrapped up in one.

Steven Pigram’s soothing, yet hardened baritone has Nick Drake’s tender and sorrowful quality. He harmonised flawlessly with Alex Lloyd’s high contrasting tones. There was a good mixture of sprightly folk tunes, as well as poignant blues-inspired songs about the hardship of the land and the whims of mother nature.

The tightly packed crowd were enthralled, while Lloyd gave a unique rendition of Hallelujah most famously covered by Jeff Buckley. There was a definite skiffle sound to the set, in the tradition of Lonnie Donegan and Van Morrison, which added to the pleasing aesthetic of the Mad Bastards’ melodies and made for an entertaining show.

The whole set list seemed to have musical traces borrowed from various country influences, making it feel familiar and homely. The encore included Lloyd’s much played radio favourite and double platinum Amazing, which was the cherry on the top.

It was an endearing evening that touched the soul and nourished the heart.