Richmond was buzzing on Friday night as rising star Megan Washington prepared to play the first in a string of an unprecedented five sold out shows at the Corner Hotel.
Kicking off the evening were Winter People, a well-dressed collective who matched duelling violins with sparse, twangy and reverberating guitars to display a flair for the dramatic. Their music shifted between a dark, almost country vibe to delicate ukulele plucking, whistling and hand claps. A very versatile, promising and thoroughly enjoyable young act.
The duelling violins of Winter People.
Next on the bill was Brisbane-based singer Scott Spark, whose soft and heartfelt ballads seemed to get lost amongst the murmurs of a growing yet disinterested audience. He began the set by joking that “I’d like to play a song by Sally Seltmann – I think the bitch stole it from me,” before offering up a solid rendition of I’m The Drunk and You’re The Star from Seltmann’s New Buffalo back catalogue. Spark’s tunes would be better suited to a more intimate venue like the Toff, which he and band are conveniently returning to later in the month to launch their new album.
It’s clear Dan Kelly is right at home in front of a crowd – he spent a good deal of his time on stage interacting with the audience, offering an insight into the often bizarre stories behind his songs (Bindi Irwin Apocalypse Jam anyone?). Kelly’s ability to pair such quirky stories to offbeat and whimsical song structures was captivating and a pleasure to witness.
"Every time I look a little sweaty and my hair falls to the left, sing the chorus."
Megan Washington has come a long way since making Alan Brough (and most of the nation) cry with her beautiful cover versions on Spicks and Specks. Tender ballads are still an important part of her repertoire, but her debut album I Believe You Liar is jam-packed with fun, upbeat pop songs that make you want to dance. And despite her “I don’t wanna dance with you” quip in single Rich Kids, the packed out Corner Hotel was certainly ready to dance with Megan Washington and her band.
...okay, I'll dance with you.
Those in attendance were treated to an energetic performance, as Washington bashed away at the keys and belted out lyrics with a huge grin, obviously very humbled and appreciative of the reception she was receiving. All the hits were included – Sunday Best, Clementine and How To Tame Lions to name a few – as well as some lesser known and new songs like Plastic Bag, whose chorus melody was not dissimilar to peer Laura Marling’s song Rambling Man.
Washington was having so much fun on stage that she decided to play straight through the end of her set instead of leaving and returning for an encore. A rousing cover of The Divinyls’ I Touch Myself and her own Cement brought the night to a satisfying close. One down Megan, four to go.
This post was originally published by The AU Review. All photo credit goes to Anna Palmer. Also, if you're interested, I have a profile at The AU Review here.
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