On the banks of the Yarra with the city skyline on one side and the coloured Arts Centre spire on the other, emerged an ephemeral canteen bar and new live music outlet. Under the starry sky, Melbourne Festival had erected the inaugural Foxtel Festival Hub.
The opening night was reiterated upon entry with the scent of freshly sawn wood fumes littered throughout the newly constructed venue. The stage had a slight late-night, talk-show presence and the exposed metal frames, printed canvas murals and shiny disco balls weren’t exactly vibe compatible as a collective.
The laidback atmosphere saw the front half of the near capacity crowd cross-legged on the floor in eager anticipation for Melbourne’s very own Husky. Diving into the set, debuting two new tracks, the indie-folkers showcased their ability to not just be one-album-wonders and solidified their fame. It was evident others were captivated by their spell with the lack of movement and speech.
Having been secluded in the Yarra Ranges writing and recording new material, this was the first time they had played live in quite some time. Frontman Husky Gawenda then introduced ‘Dark Sea’ by acknowledging and thanking the crowd, the track a familiar hit with the crowd.
It soon became obvious that Husky were using this show as an opportunity to debut and distinguish their new songs and gauge the reaction. It was risky but it paid off and illustrated their capability to continually captivate despite the heightened unknown.
The standout of their new songs was ‘Deep Sky Diver’. Describing the sonic story behind its conception, Gawenda informed the crowd of his friend’s downward spiral, the familiarity he found relatable and the conclusion of practically writing the song for himself. With sweat to his brow and his eyes closed, the raw emotion and depth to his conviction projected a certain sorrow yet contrastingly beautiful atmosphere.
During ‘Tidal Wave’ the zig-zag background lighting saw some use and keyboardist Gideon Preiss stole the spotlight. Their mellow melodies don’t require a highly energetic, on-stage presence but this track saw the band at their most active. Unfortunately there was little cohesion and interaction with one another, which felt somewhat disruptive. Nonetheless, the crowd ate it up.
Introducing their ‘new’ band with different drummer, followed by the rest individually gaining their own, well-deserved recognition, they leaped into ‘History’s Door’. This was the only song off their debut album that sounded relatively different to the recording. With the heavier drums and slight accelerated tempo, it was perhaps due to the new drummer however it reminded the crowd they were witnessing it live. For a moment the captivated fog lifted but provided a sense of heightened reality and appreciation.
‘Feather In Your Cap’ illuminated a new side to Husky with a comedic, quirky sensibility. The upbeat, energized notions saw Gawenda join Preiss on the keys and eradicate the prior visuals of a fairly disconnected band.
Gawenda was given the opportunity to showcase his impeccable solo talent as all members receded into the darkness for the first portion of ‘Wolfman’. Final song ‘Gold In Her Pockets’ had predictable but mesmerizing golden lighting. The backing zig-zag illuminated like sun shimmering on the sea and smaller flecks of light invaded the audience like specks of gold. On conclusion, security opened the doors and doubts of an encore manifested.
An extended applause and stomping feet saw Husky return for two encore songs. Gawenda’s comedic side emerged as he joked between their decision for a cover of either Miley Cyrus or Leonard Cohen. With production not being able to secure a wrecking ball, they decided on the latter.
Having seen them perform Leonard Cohen’s ‘Lover, Lover, Lover’ previously, the bands growth is astoundingly outstanding. Husky, Gideon, Evan and Aaron all surrounded one microphone and took turns as solo acts but came together with their breathtaking harmonies for the chorus. In lieu of Aaron’s solo, the audience became the forth. Surprisingly, it sounded stellar and was a truly beautiful moment to be apart of.
Whilst instruments were being tuned, Preiss was handed the opportunity to produce some of his own enchantment on the keys which was easily another hypnotic act to add to the night. Recognizing the chords, his magic had paved way for ‘The Woods’. Received with the highest acclaim, it was a stellar end choice and personally, will always continue to be a live favourite.
Husky Setlist
- Leaner Days
- Sound
- Dark Sea
- For To Make A Lead Weight Float
- Deep Sky Diver
- Tidal Wave
- History’s Door
- Feather In Your Cap
- Wolfman
- Gold In Her Pockes
Encore
- Lover Lover Lover (Leonard Cohen cover)
- The Woods
