It’s truly remarkable when a band you love offers everything that you expect and more in just one live performance. Georgia Fair did just that when launching their sophomore album, Trapped Flame, at Howler on Friday night.
Opening for the laid-back folk duo was Melbourne indie pop artist Meg Mac. As the lights dimmed, the songstress arrived on stage with a Dracula-collared black dress. Her sultry and sophisticated presence captivated the attention of everyone in the room.
A quick message to those who thought they were too cool to arrive early – you missed out big time!
The singer’s soulful presence enthralled the audience. Nothing could be heard over her powerful vocals and the soothing harmonies that she sang with her younger sister on stage.
The light banter offered between songs provided some insight into the musician, especially when reminiscing about the outpour of support she received after uploading her first single on triple J Unearthed.
When performing both original songs and covers, such as the soulful Bill Withers’ track ‘Grandma’s Hands’, Mac displayed raw emotion through her voice and body language, making eye contact with everyone in the crowd. Her performance left everyone inspired and pumped for the main event.
The 1969 film Easy Rider started playing on the stage backdrop behind two standing microphones and a drum kit. There was never an allusion to the significance of the film throughout the show, which created some confusion.
Jordan Wilson and Benjamin Riley, who make up Georgia Fair, humbly approached the stage along with their drummer Sophia.
Not feeling the need to introduce themselves with words, they immediately began to play instead.
The pair had different demeanours. Wilson took the bull by the horns through the raw emotions he offered in his voice and body language, while Riley appeared to be the dark horse of the two with a more passive disposition. However, as different as they appearred, they put on an amazing performance together.
After four songs, the duo announced that the next song would be off their new album. Sophia left the stage and Wilson traded his electric guitar for an acoustic, suggesting he create a more intimate experience for the audience. They adhered to this by playing ‘Love Free Me’.
The energetic guitar work and vocals from Wilson was truly breathtaking to witness, however it can’t be attributed to without the soaring harmonies that were created through the backing vocals from Riley.
The artists seamlessly transitioned into their familiar tune ‘Picture Frames’ (which many may recall from the popular Big M commercial a few years back). The duo’s upbeat performance was encouraging, and the audience immediately responded with cheers before singing along to the chorus with Wilson. It was truly an experience.
After revealing that they would perform more tracks from their new album, Riley pulled a clarinet out of nowhere. Upon playing his first note, with the accompaniment of Wilson on guitar, a loud and harsh squeak from the instrument quickly had the crowd in hysterics. When Riley hid his head in his hands, Wilson jokingly told the audience, “He does that on purpose at every show!”
After Riley adjusted his reed, they beautifully played ‘The River’, offering some level of country to their new album.
Sophia arrived back on stage to rock out for the last five songs of the show, a powerful close to the set.
Although they were friendly, the duo seemed a little distant to the audience. More than anything else, it felt like witnessing a jam session, which is nothing to complain about.
The set depicted the duo’s vast range of talent both vocally and musically from different stages of their careers as artists. That was the main beauty of the gig.
