Birds of Tokyo - Album Review

Check out my album review for The Music Network - 22/07/2010

Head to http://www.themusicnetwork.com/reviews/album/2010/07/22/album-review-birds-of-tokyo/ to read the review!

Clare Bowditch - The Opera House

My FasterLouder review - 03/07/10

The Opera House played host to the first of The Friends series, with an intimate performance from Clare Bowditch and Friends.

The night began with the earthy sounds of a cappella trio, Aluka. The rhythmic vocal complexities and three-part harmonies of their songs enlightened the audience. They were a brilliant introduction to the night.

Followed was Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, Henry Wagons. His humour and musical capabilities combined was like a fusion of comedian Will Ferrel and country-singer Johnny Cash. He was a great entertainer and also made country music bearable to listen to.

It was time for the lovely Clare Bowditch to take the stage. Imitating Prime Minister Gillard, Bowditch jokingly introduced herself as the PM’s “fellow ranga”. She was shortly joined on stage by her band, ‘The New Slang’ aka the ladies from Aluka. Jumping straight into Between the Tea and Toast, a tranquil atmosphere on stage was established by their stillness and simplicity. Keeping to the theme of the song, Bowditch played a teapot solo (blowing in from the spout), which was a delightful element.

The night continued with the humble performance of her older songs including Divorcee By 23 and Human Being. The real highlights were the honest stories that came from the 35-year old mother, such as Lucky Life, which for the first time that evening was accompanied by the grand piano.

I Thought You Were God was another highlight as it accentuated the warmth of her voice and the song-writing skills she possesses. It is these songs that show the true colours of Clare Bowditch on stage.

Scattered throughout her set were new singles off her soon-to-be-released fifth studio album Modern Day Addiction. Songs such as You Keep Running Around The Park, Bigger Than the Money and Modern Day Addiction all had similar drum loops and an ‘80s vibe with powerful lyrical statements.

But her creation of this new genre, which she calls ‘political-disco’, only seemed to alienate her on stage from her other musical material. Singing on her Casiotone and retro-dancing away on stage did not quite suit her onstage barefootedness and rural image. Though she confidently performed each new single with a new found edge, it just seemed unnatural for the ARIA-Award winner we know and love.

The night ended with an encore performance of Empty Pockets, leaving the audience with a sense of the real Clare Bowditch they came to see and hear.

To read the review on FasterLouder head to:
http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/24512/Clare-Bowditch-and-Friends--The-Opera-House-Sydney-030610.htm