Edward Deer - The Sandringham Hotel

My FasterLouder review - (15/09/10)

Sydney-based singer-songwriter, Edward Deer, kicked off his three week residency at The Sandringham Hotel with a mammoth set. His performance was more than just one man and his guitar.

Three-piece Sydney act, Cogel, warmed up the cold September evening with their luscious indie-rock tunes. Grow let loose an enchanted bass line that reverberated through to the heart of the audience, whilst the up-tempo number Aquarium saw two band members take to the drum kit to create a rhythmic climax. Rocks on the Sun allowed frontman Nic Cogels to bring a refreshing wave of vocals, in its most purest form.

Ole Sport brought with them an unusual combination of instruments intriguing the audience. Paperface featured a Tibetan bowl and erratic guitar finger-picking woven around a time signature of 17/8 which was challenging to follow and keep in time with. Holding on to the loose bounds of the rhythmic complexities they kept the audience at the edge of their seat and in awe.

It was time for the lovely Edward Deer, who connected with his audience emotionally and lyrically from beginning to end. Introducing his set with Maree, he gradually unveiled layer upon layer and formed a rich tapestry of sound. His superior looping skills amplified his sound and presence on stage. It was an uplifting introduction.

The 25-year-old artist then delved into deeper musical narratives. The Drifter and Someone’s Watching enticed listeners with its therapeutic words. Playing both songs simply on acoustic guitar, he allowed audiences to peak into the window of intimacy he had created on stage. Both songs also emphasised his vocal range with his strong projection into the higher registers down to the whisperings of the low, setting the mood and keeping the audience captivated.

Spicing up his set a little, he went on to deliver a solo take on Talking Heads’ This Must be the Place. Flowing in and out of guitar loopings, he gave the song a little bit of Edward Deer and performed it with great confidence. Inviting a fellow band member onto the stage, the duo entered into the gentle harmonies of Pickpockets, only to invite a third member and shift into more up-tempo folk-rock numbers such as With Ease and Tie Up the Birds.

The night concluded with the emotive A Song About Monsters. A perfect choice to finish on, and the highlight of the evening. The looping crescendo allowed the song to harmoniously reign, enlightening everyone in the room.

Edward Deer delivered each song with a fiery confidence and enjoyment, which naturally seeped into the audience and reflected back.