There is no denying that Vance Joy has been whacked a fair few times with a lucky stick. The former Law student, born James Keogh, has landed a multi-record deal with prestigious Atlantic Records, his song ‘Riptide’ rolled into the top spot of Triple J’s Hottest 100 this summer, and he has had the honour of supporting the likes of Bernard Fanning, Tom Odell, and Of Monsters and Men on stage. And tonight, the Melbournian is bringing his own sold-out headlining national tour to a close in his hometown at the exquisitely classic venue, The Forum.
It would seem Keogh has achieved quite a lot off the back of just one release to date, his debut EP, God Loves You When You Are Dancing.
Truthfully, his steady rise in the music industry looks to be as dream-like as the surrounds punters find themselves in on this mild night in May, which makes for the perfect place to wrap up this tour.
Entering the Forum, one is transported back to a time of philosophers and emperors, of fables and myths and heroics, as tall white columns flank the room, and mock- marble statues dot the perimeters. All focus is pointed towards the stage, a platform for musicians to ply their craft. All this is topped off by the grandeur of the ceiling which casts an illusion of standing in an amphitheatre under a starry Mediterranean night sky; romanticism at its best.
The visual delights serve to nicely set the scene for the musical pleasures that await the growing crowd.
Once again, Melbourne proves it is a bountiful breeding ground for musicians, as local support Teeth and Tongue entertain early arrivals with offerings such as ‘The Party Is You’ and ‘Good Man’ from their third album Grids, with their trademark hypnotic rhythms and harmonies.
The charmingly unique-voiced Gossling wins the audience over with a rousing rendition of Chris Isaac’s ‘Wicked Games’ and original duet number ‘Songs of Summer’. She then further endears herself by letting everyone know she has free packets of sunflower seeds available at the merchandise desk. A clever nod to her new album Harvest Of Gold.
The man of the hour steps out onto centre stage as his bandmates take their positions, and without ceremony the set is kicked off with debut single ‘From Afar’, an ode to heartbreak.
With that one song, the tone of the night is set: simple and honest storytelling married with simple and honest musicianship.
Following on its heels, is pleasant folkie number ‘Play With Fire’ which shows that easy to follow lyrics and engaging vocals are a winning formula for an up and coming talent intent on gaining a following.
The love song that celebrates an individual’s loveable quirk, ‘Snaggletooth’ gets a great response from the masses. A surprise gem of the night was new song ‘Wasted Time’, but the stand out, of course, was reserved for closing ukulele driven ‘Riptide’, which had the crowd clapping and singing. He even had a rock star moment, where he let the crowd do the singing for him.
His strength most definitely lies in his song-writing abilities, as he takes everyday relatable situations and thoughts and adds an insanely catchy chorus to make the songs stay with you long after you have bid him farewell.
Between songs he tells of tales how they came to form in his bright young mind as way of introduction, coming across as an unassuming, funny, and affable individual. He can hold the crowd’s attention, but he doesn’t reach out and grab it like his life depends on it.
It is more, that he humbly invites you to take a peek at what he has to offer and he very much hopes that you like the experience. And you like him all the more for it. So much so, that you may find yourself anticipating the release of his debut album this coming August.
