Category: Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Gotcha Covered” – The Screaming Jets

You might recall me getting excited about the release of The Screaming Jets’ new album Gotcha Covered. As a kid growing up in Newcastle, these guys were heroes to me. The track listing of Aussie rock classics was inspired, radio-friendly but full of curveballs. You might wonder why, since it’s been out for a couple of weeks now, I haven’t put down my thoughts until this moment. The simple answer is, I’ve been having too much fun listening to it.

All the Jets hallmarks are here: the driving drums, the chunky guitars, Dave Gleeson’s unmistakeable vocals. Add in an impressive collection of songs and you’ve got all the right ingredients for your next barbecue soundtrack.

It bounds out of the gate with a gritty, frenetic take on The Easybeats’ “Wedding Ring.” I love the extra dirt The Jets put on this one. Their take on Razor’s Edge might be my favourite track on an outstanding album. I’d forgotten how much I love this song; their punchy version was a great reminder. But then there’s “Overkill,” perhaps controversially my favourite Men at Work song, given such a great treatment. And then there’s “Errol,” a wonderful take on the Oz Crawl classic. The more I think about it, singling out just one track seems cruel.

“Shadow Boxer” was always going to be a natural fit for the band fronted by The Angels’ current lead singer. It works so well. “The Right Time” is another song which feels like it was made for the Newcastle rockers. The Jets even have a way of making songs I’ve never liked, like the Radiators’ questionable classic “Head” endearing!

Playing on the sacred ground here has some challenges. Risks are essential, but they don’t all pay off in my opinion. While I appreciate the intent of the swampy, bluesy “Darling It Hurts,” slowing down the tempo makes this incredible Paul Kelly track feel a little laboured. But then The Jets take a chance on an epic 14-minute take on “Guitar Band” to close the album, and you’re glad they did.

Gotcha Covered will make the perfect Father’s Day gift for your old man. Just don’t be surprised when you want a copy for yourself too.

The Screaming Jets are currently touring the nation with Boom Crash Opera. Here are all the remaining dates.

17 August 2018 – Kingsford Juniors, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
24 August 2018 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
25 August 2018 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
31 August & 1 September 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 September 2018 – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood
8 September 2018 – Charles Hotel, Perth
14 September 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Revesby Workers, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea @ State Theatre, Sydney – 11 August 2018

In 2004, I voted for Casey Donovan. If you’d have told me then that I’d be making a trip into the city to see her Australian Idol competition Anthony Callea live, I would have laughed. It’s not that I didn’t think he was talented. His voice was always undeniable. But I didn’t quite connect to him as a performer.

I didn’t become an Anthony Callea fan until he released his album of George Michael covers in 2014. With every subsequent album release I became a little more of a fan. After arriving late to the party, it was a real thrill to see Anthony perform his ARIA Number 1 Hits in Concert show at the State Theatre in Sydney on the weekend.

While the concert celebrated Anthony’s last number one album, ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony, with the bulk of the show made up of those beloved covers, it was really a retrospective of his career. Original songs from recordings as early as his first EP were no doubt a real treat to the diehard fans who were there when it all began. For me, it gave me an opportunity to catch up on the music I missed.

While I appreciated the originals, Anthony’s excellent cover versions provided some of the show’s highlights. A stripped back mash-up of Whitney Houston hits “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “How Will I Know” performed with his childhood friends was really special. An unexpected take on Keith Urban’s “Tonight I Want to Cry,” a song that didn’t appear on any of the recent cover albums, brought tears to my eyes. And if you don’t get goosebumps when Anthony performs “The Prayer” I’d check for a pulse. I was also thrilled to hear a couple of those George Michael classics that converted me into a true fan. By the time “Freedom ‘90” came around, I was regretting my decision to buy seats in the circle. Bouncing around in my chair, near the sign that reminded us all standing up and dancing was strictly prohibited, I wished I was down the front in the thick of the action.

While the songs and Anthony’s incomparable voice took centre stage, his ease as an entertainer was what really struck me. He chatted easily with the crowd, regaling us with tales of his time in the music business. That included his time on Idol. When so many people shy away from acknowledging reality TV stints, his candour and appreciation for that experience was refreshing. Anthony apologised countless times for going off on tangents, but I don’t think any of us minded his rambling. If I want to hear someone simply sing, I’ll stay home and listen to the CD. I come to concerts for a real show, and those stories are such a key part of that.

As I sat on the train heading back to the Central Coast, I spotted several people wearing Pink! T-shirts, all smiles after seeing her perform at Qudos Arena. Her show was at the other end of the spectrum, a sell-out spectacular in a large arena. There were no such theatrics about Anthony’s show, unless you count his blingy clothes. But he didn’t need them. Some might say Pink! doesn’t either, that her voice and songs could stand up if all the fanfare was stripped away and that she simply puts on the kind of big show she does because she can. But I was reminded of something that Anthony said during the night, about how he loved Australian Idol for its simplicity. Our first TV singing show didn’t need use backing dancers or elaborate staging. What Anthony does now continues that tradition. In a world that constantly tries to up the entertainment factor, bringing a show back to an incredible voice, great songs, and a winning personality is so refreshing.

Anthony Callea wraps up his ARIA Number 1 Hits in Concert tour at the Palms at Crown in Melbourne on August 24.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Book of Mormon @ Lyric Theatre, Sydney

Ordinarily when I see a musical theatre production I can’t wait to tell you all about it. But more than a week has passed since I saw The Book of Mormon and I still haven’t put fingers to keyboard.

It’s certainly not because the production was disappointing. It’s up there with the best things I’ve seen on a stage.

It’s not that I was reluctant to recommend it, although it’s not a musical I’d suggest everyone see. Chatting to a saleswoman at one of the fashion boutiques, I learned there have been many walkouts. During one of the earliest numbers, when F-bombs and C-bombs starting flying, I wondered about my own decision to take my parents for their birthdays. However, when they raved about how much fun they were having at intermission, I realised my parents are made of tougher stuff than I imagined. It’s certainly not for the easily offended or sensitive ears, but if you buy tickets for a musical by the creators of South Park you probably have some idea whether you can handle it.

Perhaps I’ve hesitated because I’m not quite sure what to say beyond what you probably already know. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know The Book of Mormon follows the journey of some American Mormon missionaries keen to save the people of Uganda through the power of the Good Book. The thing is, I think that’s all you really need to know. The less you learn about the intricacies of the musical beyond that, the better. I found it so rewarding to see a production that surprised me. In the recent past the musical theatre scene has been dominated by retellings of popular stories like Aladdin and Mary Poppins and biopics charting the rise of legendary musicians like Carole King and Bobby Darin. I’ve enjoyed those musicals, but I also knew where they were going. Even something original like Kinky Boots had an air of predictability about it. True love and our hero’s dreams would always win in the end. But you’re never quite sure where The Book of Mormon will take you, and that’s exciting.

I do want to tell you The Book of Mormon is exceptionally funny. I mean proper laugh out loud from your belly kind of funny. It’s also a very good musical. Don’t underestimate it on that front because Trey Parker and Matt Stone are behind it. The songs are as well-crafted as any you’d find in a Broadway hit. The cast is exceptional, singing and dancing with the best of them. It was no fluke that this show won the Helpmann award for best musical last year, and that goes beyond the edgy comedy. Perhaps one of the key reasons is that this is a show with real heart. I cared about the characters. I was invested in the storyline.

The Book of Mormon is certainly a musical with the power to offend. The walkouts are proof positive of that. But true art plays on the edges. If you appreciate that, make sure you don’t miss The Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon is currently playing at the Lyric Theatre, in Sydney’s Star Casino. It will then travel to Brisbane and Adelaide.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Love Monster” – Amy Shark

Amy Shark’s Love Monster may be the most anticipated Aussie album of the year. Every single she released quickly climbed the ARIA charts, attracting airplay and accolades along the way. Those songs set the bar so high, I wondered whether her debut LP could possibly match my expectations. But the Gold Coast singer-songwriter delivers here.

Love Monster was destined to be one of the biggest releases of the year, but its sound is refreshingly small and intimate. While Amy plays with beats and electronic sounds, she doesn’t overdo it. That ensures we can really hone in on the lyrics, which is where Love Monster really excels. The songs feel like diary entries, intimate confessions about relationships and moments in time that she’s sharing with us. Coupled with Amy’s honest vocal delivery, these songs move you. And isn’t that really the most important thing?

Every track here is so, so good. I didn’t quite expect that. When singles shine so brightly you expect the album they’re lifted from to contain some fillers. But I can honestly say that I love every track on Love Monster. I ordinarily pick out standouts and wax lyrical about them, but singling songs out would seem unfair to the ones I didn’t mention. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by “Psycho,” the song she recorded with Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. I can hear the Blink-182 influence, but it’s restrained in this delicate number. I’ve always been a sucker for a great duet, and this is a great duet.

Love Monster is a beautiful album, raw, real, and relatable. It’s in stores and all your favourite digital retailers now. She’s touring almost everywhere over the coming months. Here are all the dates you need!

3 August 2018 – Osheaga, Montreal
4 August 2018 – Lollapalooza, Chicago
24 August 2018 – HQ, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2018 – Metropolis, Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
30 & 31 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
1 & 2 September 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (Limited tickets for 2nd)
6 & 7 September 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (Limited tickets for 6th)
8 September 2018 – Nightquarter, Gold Coast
13 September 2018 – Powerstation, Auckland
14 September 2018 – Foundry, Christchurch
15 September 2018 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
21 September 2018 – Life is Beautiful, Las Vegas
23 September 2018 – Wonder Ballroom, Portland
24 September 2018 – Neptune, Seattle
25 September 2018 – Imperial, Vancouver
26 September 2018 – Capital Ballroom, Victoria
28 September 2018 – Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
1 October 2018 – House of Blues, San Diego
2 October 2018 – El Rey, Los Angeles
5 October 2018 – Amsterdam Bar & Hall, St. Paul
8 October 2018 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
10 October 2018 – Underground Arts, Philadelphia
12 October 2018 – Irving Plaza, New York
13 October 2018 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
3 November 2018 – This That Festival, Newcastle
16 January 2019 – Knust, Hamburg
17 January 2019 – Festsaal Kreuzberg, Berlin
19 January 2019 – Strom, Munich
20 January 2019 – Plaza, Zurich
21 January 2019 – Nachtleben, Frankfurt
23 January 2019 – Luxor, Cologne
24 January 2019 – Badaboum, Paris
25 January 2019 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
27 January 2019 – Rotonde Botanique, Brussels
29 January 2019 – O2 Institute 3, Birmingham
30 January 2019 – Heaven, London
1 February 2019 – Gorilla, Manchester

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Two Sides” – Legs Electric

Legs Electric makes big, ballsy rock in the tradition of Rose Tattoo and Led Zeppelin. It’s a space we don’t often see women occupying, but their music is a welcome addition to the genre. The Perth act’s new five-track EP Two Sides perfectly showcases their hard-hitting signature sound.

“Dark Paradise” shows these women mean business. This retro number doesn’t take a step backwards or a foot off the throttle. I love its big chunky guitar chords and powerful vocals. “Wanna Riot” takes us from the ’70s to the ’80s, with rebellious lyrics and unbridled passion. It’ll have you punching your fists in the air in no time. There’s more of that rebellion with every biting lyrics of “Shine Right Through.” The drums and bass anchor this track which builds to a crescendo of wailing guitars and vocals. “Strange Addiction” is perhaps the simplest song on the EP. It doesn’t have a lot in terms of lyrics content, but it makes up for that with its driving sound which will have you banging your head in time to the driving beat. “Kingdom” makes a strong final statement. There’s more attitude, great harmonies, and those big chunky guitars that are Legs Electric’s trademarks.

If I have any criticism it’s that Two Sides is a little one-note. There isn’t a lot of light and shade. Legs Electric’s EP rocks hard from start to finish. However, if you’re a fan of unflinching rock music, you’re not going to mind that one bit.

Two Sides is available now from all your favourite digital outlets. Legs Electric are currently playing shows around the country to support its release. See them at the following venues.

27 July 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
28 July 2018 – Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, Melbourne
29 July 2018 – Whole Lotta Love Bar, Brunswick East

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Songs From The Village” – Jess + Matt

The X Factor Australia is becoming a distant memory and I’ve forgotten most of the acts that graced its stage over the years. But not Jess + Matt, who charmed me with their beautiful harmonies, their folky sound, and the romance of their real-life relationship. Something special happens when people in love make music together and that goes double when they’ve got some serious music taste. Over the years they’ve released covers and originals, which didn’t all hit the mark for me. Songs From The Village is the album I’ve been waiting for them to make, a celebration of classic folk music.

This album starts so strong with a jubilant version of “The Times They Are A-Changing.” Their take on “The Boxer,” the second track is another stunner. It builds to an epic vocal crescendo that makes your heart soar. The danger with bringing us so many folk songs though is that the music can become background. It’s admittedly a very gentle record, and there are a few slow spots. However, whenever it starts getting a bit sleepy, Jess + Matt deliver a knockout. Their rollicking version of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” hits all the right notes. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” is so special. Jess + Matt are at their best when they get to play off against one another as they do here. It’s so beautiful and believable. Their version of “Both Sides Now” is exquisite.

Jess + Matt are such talented vocalists with an innate musical sensibility. They clearly have fantastic music taste and they know what will work well for their voices. They’re also such natural storytellers, ensuring their takes on songs from Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and other American folk pioneers don’t feel like pale imitations. I had high expectations for this release. While I wasn’t wowed by every song, there’s plenty here to get excited about.

Songs From The Village is in stores now. Follow Jess + Matt on Facebook to learn about their pop-up appearances promoting the album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Storm Boy” – Xavier Rudd

Now with his ninth album under his belt, Xavier Rudd should be considered a veteran of the Aussie music scene. You might assume after releasing so much music, he might be lacking inspiration or struggling to find vital things to say. Storm Boy proves neither is true. Far from showing signs of fatigue, he might be making his best music yet. The press release notes that he’s found love, so perhaps that’s inspired him. Whatever the reason, Storm Boy is a joy to listen to.

It starts so strong with the current single “Walk Away,” a stirring anthem that tugs at the heart string. The next track “Keep it Simple” switches gears. It has such powerful lyrics about unity, with a cool electric reggae vibe. The album likes to keep us guessing like that, never keeping us in the same place for too long.

The delicate title track might be my favourite, with its life lessons and references to the famous Colin Thiele novel. While he’s more than capable of doing a big electric epic, I think Xavier is strongest he pares things back in songs like this, “Honeymoon Bay” and “Best That I Can.” However, the bigger numbers add some balance.

This is an album not just of big songs but also songs of big importance. “Gather the Hands” is such a moving call to arms, a track which addresses our relationships with our indigenous brothers and sisters and how we move forward together. “True to Yourself” is another insightful masterstroke, a tender folky ballad with a heart of gold. The second verse about a homeless man really resonated with me.

“True Love” might be the most personal song on the album, a reflection on that love the press release touched on. It manages to be both epic and intimate at the same time. Musically there’s so much going on, an orchestra with everything from violins to sitars coming together. But its lyrics are so personal, and they keep the song centred.

After such a powerhouse song, it’s only fitting that Xavier goes back to the kind of small, delicate music he’s famous for with the album’s final track. “Times Like These” has such powerful lyrics about what is true in this world, so it’s only fitting that they take centre stage. It’s a beautiful song, and the perfect final track for what is such a beautiful album.

I’ve listened to Storm Boy at least 10 times now but I keep finding new things to appreciate about it. It’s one of those special releases that only grows richer over time. Start listening now so you’re all across is when Xavier tours the country later this year.

2 August 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra
3 August 2018 – Uni Hall, Wollongong
4 August 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
5 August 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
10 August 2018 – Night Quarter, Gold Coast
11 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
12 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
17 August 2018 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart
18 August 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong
27 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
23 November 2018 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
24 November 2018 – 3 Oceans Winery, Margaret River

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Seas Embrace” – The Dreggs

Tuesdays which feel like Mondays are never fun. But I’m finding it extra difficult to just get on with things this morning. On Saturday morning my parents called and let me know our family dog Charlie had passed away. Charlie had been with us for 18 years. He’d regularly stay at my place for weeks at a time while my parents travelled overseas, most recently last month while my parents were in Greece. He’d visit every Wednesday when my parents would come to the coast for pub trivia. I miss him terribly. I was thankful for the long weekend, which gave me time to cry and veg out on the couch. But today it’s Tuesday, and I have deadlines, and I’m supposed to get back to business as usual. That’s a hard thing.

I’ve been trying to surround myself with positive things. I’ve been crying enough, so I don’t need more triggers. This weekend has been all about rom-coms, and now my morning has been all about The Dreggs’ and their new EP Seas Embrace. As its name suggests, this is an EP full of laidback summery tunes that take us to the beach.

I love the cool laidback reggae vibes of opening track “Thinkin’ Bout Tomorrow.” The follow-up “Blue” has such a sense of nostalgia about it. There’s yearning in this tale of lost love, but it’s imbued with a sense of wistfulness rather than wallowing. “Feel Alive” already impressed me, and it is every bit as endearing here. What a charmer this upbeat foot-stomper is.

After so many relaxed summer anthems, the power of “Simple Question” took me off guard. The simple question, “Are you okay?” is one the recent deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain have reminded us needs to be asked more often. It’s one which resonates with me now I’m coming to terms with the loss of my dog. Rather than just paying lip-service to a topic of social importance, this song comes from a place of real sincerity and honesty.

“Ocean and Earth” brings the EP back up. It’s perhaps the recording’s most cheerful song, a jaunty ray of sunshine that is guaranteed to make you smile. “Give Myself to You” continues to bring the good vibes. Just see if you’re not clapping along before the first chorus ends.

Bribie Island’s The Dreggs capture the optimistic spirit of their coastal home beautifully. Their EP is the perfect remedy to the blues. Whether you’re struggling with your own stuff or you’re simply praying for an end to these grey, gloomy winter skies Seas Embrace will make you feel better.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mr. Big & Extreme @ Enmore Theatre, Newtown – 3 June 2018

It might be 2018, but you wouldn’t know it looking at the gig guides. They’re filled with musical throwbacks keen to reunite with fans and give them a blast from the past with all the hits they know and love. The latest to hit our shores is the early 90s double-shot of Mr. Big and Extreme.

Mr. Big were the band I was really there to see. I have such fond memories of busting out “To Be With You” and “Just Take My Heart” as a kid and I was sure the band’s harmonies and big chords would be just as impressive in the live arena. Yet before too long I was feeling restless. I didn’t know any songs beyond those two hits (although that’s probably one more track than the average person), and it felt like this band was performing just to those people who did. While those folks down the front were having a grand old time singing along, I was fast becoming bored. I started to wonder whether perhaps I just wasn’t a real rock music fan as the guitarist launched into another shredding solo. The musicians were first-rate by the way, but frontman Eric Martin seemed a little by the numbers.

I must admit, after Mr. Big failed to fire for me I was prepared for this to be a long night. After all, I wasn’t much more familiar with Extreme’s back catalogue and they weren’t the act that got me through the door. They were the act that kept my butt on the seat though, except for the part near the end where I couldn’t resist giving them the standing ovation they deserved.

It turns out, I love a good rock show when it’s done well. Extreme gave us a masterclass. Gary Cherone is more energetic than most singers have his age. I was transfixed watching him bounce around the stage with all the swagger and sex appeal of a real rock star. His chemistry with lead guitarist Nuno Bettencourt is palpable. It’s a joy watching them play off one another. Speaking of playing, I’m not sure I’ll see many guitarists in my lifetime better than Nuno. His hand speed is incredible. My husband swears that at one point he was playing 300 beats a minute.

Singing along to the hits like “Hole Hearted” and “More Than Words” was great fun, but I didn’t find myself waiting for them as did during Mr. Big’s set. Everything was so entertaining that Extreme didn’t need to play on my taste for nostalgia.

While I loved those songs, they didn’t bring me my favourite moment of the night. That came when Extreme busted out “Play With Me” from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. It’s one of my husband’s favourite songs of all time. I’d suggested to him that they might not play it, not wanting him to be potentially disappointed, but he assured me it was coming. Watching the joy spread across his face as he punched his fist in the air and screamed out the lyrics is one of the greatest things I’ve ever experienced at a show.

It’s a bit of an effort for me to see a show in Sydney. There’s transport and often hotels to coordinate, time off to organise, so I want it to be worthwhile. Mr. Big might have been lacklustre, but Extreme made my night. I’m not overstating the point when I tell you that they put on one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. I had a healthy level of appreciation of their music before, but now I’m a fan for life.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joshua Radin @ Factory Theatre, Marrickville – 24 May 2018

You know you’ve been working too hard when you end up another gig before you’ve had time to write about another gone past. I’ve been slammed with work lately, which meant that a tour from one of my favourite performers, Joshua Radin, came at exactly the right time. Joshua’s brand of music, what he calls “whisper rock,” has always has a way of calming me down, so it really hit the spot near the end of last month.

I must admit, when I heard Joshua’s close friend Cary Brothers was on supporting duty I fired up his back catalogue on Spotify, determined to get to know his music. After a couple of tracks I gave up. While Joshua’s gentle music soothes me, I found Cary’s similar folky sounds a little boring. So I really wasn’t looking forward to his set. It’s funny how different a live experience can be though. I was mesmerised by his beautiful folk music, hanging on to every single word the charming Cary sang. There were no frills here; just a man with an acoustic guitar and some incredible songs I’d underestimated on the first listen. Despite knowing one of my favourite singers was coming, I felt a little disappointed when Cary announced his final song.

My disappointment didn’t last too long though. My heart soared as Joshua Radin took to the stage and treated us to the first strums of his acoustic guitar. “No Envy, No Fear” has become an almost predictable opener, but it’s still so powerful. Joshua brought down the traditional barriers that usually exist between audience and performer early, stepping away from the microphone during the song to sing unaided. It’s a testament to the attentive crowd and the intimacy of the wonderful Factory Theatre that we could still hear him perfectly.

Joshua isn’t the kind of artist who tops the charts, so he doesn’t really have singles the crowd waits for. We’re also never sure quite where the set will go, but because most of us are so familiar with his albums we’re excited to find out. We want to hear the album tracks that speak to us, although Joshua writes such important music that most songs do. I lost count of the number of times I leaned over to my husband to squeeze his hand in excitement or whisper “I love this song!” We had a moment together huddled close, singing along with “My My Love” from Wax Wings. I found myself wiping away tears as Joshua played us “Winter,” one of the first of his songs I fell for.

Joshua Radin is such a special performer. A little like Cary Brothers, he performs without bells and whistles. His gentle songs and sweet demeanour draw you in and cast a spell over the entire room. When so many musicians worry about stage spectaculars, it’s refreshing to see artists like him who simply celebrate the song.

I felt so tightly wound before seeing Joshua play at the Factory Theatre. I was stressed about my work deadlines, getting to Marrickville, and what time I’d need to arrive to score a decent spot in this venue I’d never visited (I’m not a fan of general admission shows for that very reason). Yet by the time Cary returned to join Joshua for the encore, a cover of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” I realised this wonderful music had well and truly calmed me down. Sometimes you see a show just when you need to see it. Joshua might have left us waiting so long that he worried we might have forgotten about him, but he was well and truly worth the wait.

Image source: Stephen Katulka