Chloe & Silas, Emily Thorpe @The Polish White Eagle Club,Canberra (18/9/11)

Thu 22nd Sep, 2011 in Gig Reviews

When the 20 or so patrons entered the quietest room in all of Turner on Sunday evening, who would have known they were about to be one of the lucky few to make up the audience of the cutest little gig in town.

Taking to the stage was the support for the evening – Emily Thorpe. This here was to become Thorpe’s “first real gig,” on a stage and all. Discovered recently at the Canberra Musicians Club’s ‘Bang! Bang! Bang!’ event, Thorpe’s debut performance was a hit. She was accompanied by guitarist, Gerard Egan and the crowd consisted mostly of their friends.

Opening with Leonard Cohen cover, Hallelujah, Thorpe’s nerves tripped her up on some lyrics but she landed gracefully and continued in style. Surprisingly the newcomer’s set was only filled with originals from here on in. Thorpe’s songs were quirky and well written. She started a trend for the evening of storytelling and bringing life and meaning to her tracks. She performed songs with heartbreaking stories, songs without stories at all and songs with stories that were just too embarrassing to share. Throughout the night, Thorpe’s vocals grew stronger as she became more comfortable in her new surroundings, although she could use some variety in her vocal range.

Before even picking up their instruments, main act, Chloe & Silas made an executive decision that would turn their performance into a unique and memorable show for everyone. They announced that due to the lack of a large crowd they would take the opportunity to perform completely acoustically on the floor, instead of the stage. The audience gathered around the duo in the centre of the floor. All that was missing from this private show was a fireplace and some marshmallow roasting.

For the most part the folk duo performed songs from their current album, Spring Hill. Their opening track was exactly what Chloe Hall loves about live music. The song they played has never been recorded and therefore is unheard of by the crowd who may never hear it again; a moment in music that you may never get back, something really special.

Silas Palmer is Hall’s perfect partner in crime. He knows that often, subtly is the key to perfection; he keeps the fiddle to a minimum and makes a big move where it will really make an impact. Their talent combined is untouchable and they bring an air to the place that will linger with time.

Chloe & Silas shared their stories about love, life, their take on the big bad world we live in, how they get through and the things they see and feel. The lyrics in their songs are filled with wit and knowledge. They are so real, there’s something that everyone can relate to and often is what people are thinking but just can’t articulate. Then all at once it is said with such simplicity and beauty.

Hall mentioned that they have been known for being “too happy,” but what do two musicians travelling the country performing have anything to be unhappy about?