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Missy Higgins + Lior, George Byrne Thebarton Theatre, Sat 26 March  Thebby
was so filled with anticipation that many a premature squeal was heard
when sound crew ventured onto the stage to adjust mics. George Byrne,
the first support act, was well received by the audience, and rightly
so: his use of the harmonica, acoustic guitar and husky vocals reminded
me of The Waifs in style, yet with less intensity. Next up was Lior, playing tunes from his album; 'Autumn Flow' and demonstrating his ability to produce clear and well controlled vocals, including regular falsettos. Lior's guitar picking was reminiscent of The Tea Party's The Badger and was a perfect accompaniment to his lilting, lingering voice. By far the most mesmerising moment of his set was his strikingly haunting rendition of an ancient Hebrew prayer, completed accapella, which received impressive applause, while the likeable single Grow Old Together again reminded the crowd of Lior's versatility. Missy Higgins walked onto the stage to intense screams and clapping but began quietly, alone at the piano with a gentle-then-rousing rendition of Falling. Her band was dressed stylishly in vest and tie, contrary to Ms Higgins in her trademark casual white singlet. Josh Cunningham of The Waifs was a notable inclusion to the touring band, proving he's as good on electric guitar as acoustic. Higgins shooshed the crowd as the repeated screams annoyingly pierced the quiet moments of her songs, but Ten Days was always destined to be a loud sing-along for all present. Her new tunes displayed a writer of growing confidence trying out some new styles, including some funky jazz/blues flavours which are likely to be well received when she starts work on a new album. One song of particular note was a sombre ode to a friend who had recently died; fortunately the crowd were respectful and quiet throughout which allowed the full impact of the words of this mournful ballad to be appreciated. A sped up version of Greed For Your Love was introduced by Higgins as being written when she was a 'teenage slutbag', an example of her uninhibited and casual rapport with the audience. She joked that she had recently had undies thrown at her while playing a recent gig and that the crowd should feel free to throw underwear at her as it made her play better; a sock was the only result. Higgins' passionately performance of This Is How It Goes was ably supported by her band, rocking this song out to its full potential. Overall, this was a thoroughly satisfying evening with a nice blend of old and new tunes dished out with Missy Higgins' own serving of charming honesty.  |
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