Pete Akhurst, Isaac Graham,Jamahl Brown @ The Front,Canberra (3/6/11)

Sun 5th Jun, 2011 in Gig Reviews

The Front was packed like sardines in a tin for local singer-songwriter talent Pete Akhurst’s launch of debut EP Footprints. It was a Friday night where the chilly weather outside demanded scarves and gloves to ward off the cold. Thankfully the heart-warming performances provided by Akhurst and co. provided an invigorating pick-me-up that put the worries of the world at bay for a few hours and painted an optimistic and cheerful start to the weekend.

People tiptoed their way in, peering hopefully for prime real estate to be found in a couch to sink into under the quintessential warm orange tinged hue that The Front is synonymous with, as Jamahl Brown began the night. Armed with only his Maton and perched on a stool in the corner, Brown gently coerced a relaxing and soothing blend of blues and roots from his guitar, keeping his audience contently entertained with a faithful rendition of Ben Harper’s She’s Only Happy in the Sun.

Sydney’s Isaac Graham assumed the spotlight shortly after, plucking and strumming towards a sound that was undoubtedly similar to that of his predecessor, yet characteristically his own – think tinges of bluegrass and country dashed on top of a swirl of blues, folk and indie pop rock. A fantastic and refreshing cover of MGMT’s Kids demonstrated Graham’s versatility and imagination in his approach to his craft; managing to effortlessly transgress genre and in the process demonstrate the potency of the time-tested simplicity of the solo act formula.

Promptly following was the main bill of the night, Pete Akhurst who was welcomed with warm and appreciative applause. Moving with an infectious energy that almost seemed as if the guitar was playing the man, Akhurst began his headline set with an instantaneous combustion of a distinctly recognisable sound, which he is fast claiming as his own.

Selflessly labelling his influences, (the flyer for the gig proclaiming ‘Just add one part Ash Grunwald, one part Jack Johnson and one part John Butler) Pete Akhurst summons the image of a musician who is only too happy find his niche amongst his peers, choosing to contribute towards the collective musical milieu rather than arrogantly attempt to seize the helm. The result is an instantly likeable on-stage character; one who plays with an endearing passion and intensity that sells the music and delivers a fantastic live performance. Not that the music needs selling; the buzz surrounding the young Canberran easily exemplified by the 100 or more who showed up on the night for Akhurst’s honest, down-to-earth songs about the simple things in life that all of us at times forget, something that Akhurst articulates and reminds us of as well as any other.

The three young men who played on the night took their audience on a journey to what could’ve easily been any 60s coffee shop in the Village. With endearing music crafted on a minimalist and honest philosophy, mingled with unpretentious lyricism that rings true, Pete Akhurst gave a memorable performance that cemented his status as one of Canberra’s more interesting solo acts. Be sure to pick up his debut EP Footprints. It won’t disappoint.