A warm winters
Saturday night, I stood alone as part of a sold-out crowd at The Metro Theatre
to see the notable talent before me which were The Paper Kites. The lights were
dim; the anticipation was high and not long after the band took to the stage –
the crowd was utterly enamoured.
This Melbourne 5
piece outfit consisting of Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, Dave Powys, Sam
Rasmussen and Josh Bentley make music that conveys honesty and earnest storytelling,
while making you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. You know them bands that
just sound so darn pretty? Well yeah, they’re one of those.
Not wasting any
time they opened with a new track full of whitewash percussion, smooth guitar
riffs and heaven like vocals – which together gave a blistering performance.
In succession
came songs old and new, the crowd clapping along to ‘A Maker Of Time’ followed
by soft intricate guitar picking, use of synths and plush melodies in ‘Young’ a
track off their new album States.
Throughout the
set also saw the switching and addition of various instruments; the tambourine,
harmonica, double bass, banjo, violin and horns – all merged catering to their
ethereal, moody soundscape.
A personal
highlight came during the delivery of ‘Arms,’ where Sam Bentley’s vocals
propelled a complete hush over the audience, sending shivers right down my
spine. It came more dominant in their slow numbers the emotional elation, to
the feeling that I was the only one there.
But there was no
doubt that it was ‘Bloom’ that took the claim of being the crowd pleaser of the
night. From start to finish, the room saw punters rejoicing in song along with
the band, displaying a real tender moment of unity.
Mention must be
made however where is deserved to Christina Lacy. Her accompanying hypnotic
delicate vocals captured the beauty of the tracks perfectly, revealing Lacy as
a talented artist in her own right.
The set came to a
close on encore with Christina on vocals, doing a rendition of Feist’s ‘Comfort
Me.’
For the majority of the night’s show the
audience displayed a remarkable level of respect; completely engrossed in the
music performed. There is definitely something about this bunch of musicians
that just solely and effortlessly wins over a live audience. It isn’t every gig
that the artist before you can churn your emotions, but on that rare and raw
occasion this does occur – well it really is no wonder to why the show was sold
out.
