The curtain of The Toff stage parts and at its centre stands a young man ready and waiting to open the night. An acoustic guitar rests in his hands, a harmonica holder caresses his neck, and with a mass of dark curls atop of his head; he is reminiscent of a young Bob Dylan. I half expect him to start to play the opening notes of “Like A Rolling Stone”.
He is Fraser A. Gorman; a boy who hails from Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital. Discovering early on he did not show an aptitude for the pastime that dominates his hometown, he instead learnt to sing and play guitar, and thank the Greek god of music, Apollo, he did, because this lad is a gem.
It is soon evident why Gorman is the recipient of the inaugural Mushroom Music Publishing Recording Grant 2013; he sings with a sincerity and conviction many a young musician wish to convey. Leaning towards the folk, bluesy and alternative country genres, his style is simple engaging storytelling.
Stand out songs of his set included harmonica laden gentle offering “Blossom And Snow”; and newer sunnier single “Dark Eyes” that lets you glimpse his deeper tones and lyrical originality “Like an air force pilot/I’ll ride you to the stars/Again”.
Following Gorman is Skyscraper Stan and The Commission Flats, a local Melbourne outfit.
Stan is tall, like skyscraper tall. His voice is really, really big too. As is local songstress, Gemma Sherard’s, who lends her powerful voice to the band as a guest for the night on backing vocals.
Their sound is heavily influenced by the sounds of New Orleans. Visions of dirt, smoke, heat and sultry nights waft through the notes that fill the air.
Part blues, part country, part rock and rock, with a slice of jazz and big band brass; these guys have the punters feet moving in no time at all.
Notable mentions must go to the stellar performances of foot-stomping number “Oil City One-Step” with its infectious chorus, the jaw-dropping duet between Stan and Gemma on “Fools and Handsome Men”, and the energy-fuelled “Moses”.
The energy is magnificent: Stan jumps across stage, he howls, he gestures with his hands to add emphasis to the story he is laying out before you. He makes you believe he’s been through what he is singing about.
The rest of the band play a tight set; the drummer and bassist setting the pace, the lead guitar’s many solos producing crowd pleasing riffs and the stunning vocals of the back-up singers adding punch to the night’s gig.
The main event is that of The Darling Downs who are here to launch their third album In The Days When The World Was Wide.
The venue is now at full capacity. Anticipation is buzzing as fans are eager to hear the duo’s first record in six years.
The Darling Downs is the unexpected collaboration between two of Australia’s men of rock: Ron S. Peno (Died Pretty) and Kim Salmon (The Scientists, Beasts Of Bourbon).
Unexpected because the stylings of The Darling Downs are a far cry from either of their respective catalogues in their previous artistic ventures.
The title of the album comes from a poem written by Australian literary hero Henry Lawson.
Likewise, In The Days When The World Was Wide is a work to behold.
Their formula is simple: Peno sings and Salmon plays the instruments. And it works.
Together they dive into an expansive pool of emotion, experience and creativity; cleverly joining upbeat jaunty beats with sadder lyrics, and vice versa.
On the surface, these are two seasoned performers comfortably and confidently plying their trade in front of a captured audience. The current below suggests a new depth, complexity and growth within the project that is The Darling Downs.
Opening number “I Wish You Were Her” is an upbeat country-folk affair, with Salmon’s banjoing skills on display.
Keeping with the more energetic feel of the previous song, “Between The Forest And The Trees” sees Peno’s distinctive vocals belt out a pop tune.
In a change of pace, “Forever Night” is a beautiful soothing calm of lullaby proportions; While “Like Desire”, is more romantic, where gentler tones play like a lovers embrace between Peno’s voice and Salmon’s banjo.
Closing the launch is the perfectly selected “Light Of The World”. Slowly building momentum, the song swirls and crests until it reaches the emotive finale.
The launch by all accounts is a success, with The Darling Downs receiving a huge applause at the end.
The chemistry between the duo is a beautiful thing to witness, and the respect they hold for each other is evident. Salmon’s smile never leaves his face, and Peno is in his element in front of the mike.
The appreciative audience is left enveloped in a cosy warmth that finely crafted and sincere music generates and bee-line to the merchandise desk to pick up their copy of the album and their very own The Darling Downs unique embroidered neck tie carefully selected by the very stylish Mr Peno.
