The beloved Northcote Social Club was home to another appreciative audience on Thursday night.
Launching their debut, self-titled EP, Texture Like Sun finished their three-show east coast tour in their hometown, ably supported by Patrick James and Kate Martin.
Sporting high-waisted shorts and a loose white shirt, Kate Martin had the politely seated boys and girls in the palm of her hand as she serenaded them with her electric guitar and loop pedals.
Despite opening the night, a decent crowd still turned out to watch the lovely lady and were so quiet throughout her set that one could hear a proverbial pin drop. Martin has a composed sweetness about her, and as she somewhat awkwardly waved goodbye and stepped off stage, there was some disappointment amongst the masses that their time together was over.
However, it was not a feeling that lingered once Patrick James and his band graced the stage. Without introduction, the audience at once were captured by this young man’s infectious folk melodies and beautiful voice.
He issued a short “hello Melbourne” with a cheeky smile before going straight into “Bugs.” With gorgeous four-part harmonies and a banjo expertly wielded by Scotty Stevens, James and his outfit immediately asserted themselves as young masters of nu-folk.
Inspired by Crosby Stills Nash and Young, “Something In The Way We Are,” is a fitting tribute to the supergroup, showcasing James’ falsetto and a catchy rhythm.
The young man from Sydney continued to charm the crowd with awkward banter about getting baguettes in Degraves St, before “Stay” had them transfixed.
There is an earnestness in the eyes of this performer that you could be forgiven for believing (or wishing) that his songs are for your ears only.
He went solo for “Kings and Queens”, and the room, now full, remained silent in the privilege of witnessing his heartfelt, stripped-back rendition of Ball Park Music’s “It’s Nice To Be Alive”.
Such stillness meant even the air-conditioning was audible as he slipped “Melbourne” into the chorus, adorably stating “that’s what Sam does live”.
Scotty, Lincoln, and Curtis resurfaced for the end of the set and the fans were thanked for their manners in sitting down so quietly, “but for the next two songs you can probably have a boogie.” To say they went out on a high would be an understatement, wrapping up with the slow-building new single “Brighter Lights”.
With the exception of Boy and Bear, Australia hasn’t really had the folk resurgence as in the UK, but there is no doubt that Patrick James is well on his way to changing that.
6-piece headliner Texture Like Sun wandered on stage after half-time entertainment from mime artist Jamie Bretman, who stars in the clip for their emotive opener, “One Great Prize.”
Mark Pearl’s voice is unmistakably brilliant, at once husky and melodic in the wistful “Weekend,” and he seldom opens his eyes.
His face was angst-ridden during “Ever Wanted More”, and their versatility as musicians is evident – albeit briefly – as Ceci Dowling hints towards tango on the viola.
They’re not a talkative band but they’re definitely a talented one, and the heartbreaking “Rubber Man” slowly escalates to Pearl belting it out, his voice like gravel dipped in honey.
Everyone loves a good cover, and TLS’s unique version of “Feel Good Inc” is no exception. It took them a while to cotton on, but once the chorus came around cheers rang out in recognition. Just in case they’d missed it, Alex Yeap closed the song with Gorillaz’s iconic bass line.
Their skill as a blues outfit makes an appearance in older track, “Opportunity” and César Rodrigues shines on guitar. Again, Pearl is a magician on the microphone, seamlessly shifting from a gentle hum to gut-wrenching wails and back again, and every soul in the room is captivated.
The night ends with big hit, “Bottle”, as Scotty Stevens joins them on banjo. The crowd are so grateful that genuine pleas for an encore are heard, alas to no avail.
