It’s always interesting when artists do gigs on the day of their album release – particularly a debut LP. There’s a risk of the audience only knowing one or two songs and watching the remainder of the set in uncomfortable silence. But Mikhael Paskalev’s sold out debut Melbourne show at Howler was as vibrant and energetic as if the album had been out for months.
Appearing on stage before his scheduled set time, much to the annoyance of the punters who came running in breathless halfway through his second song, the Norwegian singer’s impossibly suave energy created a gorgeous atmosphere from the word go.
Opening solo, Paskalev began the set with ‘Susie’ from his debut album What’s Life Without Losers. With the speedy, fingerpicked guitar melody, his charming rasp and occasional cheeky grin, the artist’s genuine joy and skill was evident from the start.
A band – obviously a group of Paskalev’s closest friends – wandered on stage for the rest of the main set beginning with the album’s title track. Despite taking a back seat to let Paskalev soak up the limelight, the members were all incredibly talented musicians in their own rights, and it was lovely to see the frontman push them forward occasionally for their own little solo bits.
What was striking about the set was that it was incredibly true to the record. The harmonies, intricate guitar patterns, and even Paskalev’s breathing patterns while singing stayed loyal to the album in the best possible way. It was a wonderful way to showcase the content of the new record.
The audience members, though incredibly enthusiastic, were a little chatty – which was slightly frustrating. It wasn’t a lack of attention or interest – in fact, it was probably Paskalev’s laid-back vibe that prompted such a casual setting – but at times, it felt like many punters towards the back used the gig as ‘background music’ to their chatter.
Beginning with just a “thanks!” between songs, Paskalev began to open up to the room as the evening progressed. The artist’s soft Norwegian accent was lovely to listen to once the banter began, and the audience agreed – some going as far as to chuck a hat onto the stage just to get it returned.
“I love you!” a girl in the crowd screamed between two songs towards the end of the set. Paskalev, the ladies man that he is, returned it with a “I love you too!”
Guitarist Joseph, eager for some action too, chimed in “No, I love you!” before a bizarre and hysterical moment whereby the singer ran over to the guitarist and planted a kiss straight on his lips.
Surprisingly, Paskalev didn’t play breakout single ‘I Spy’ (evidently the only song many punters knew) last. The second he brought out his harmonica, however, an “ooohh” was heard from the audience.
Once the band launched into the familiar opening of ‘I Spy’, the song that came in at #75 on Triple J’s Hottest 100, the room went off. Everyone knew the words, danced like dorks, and the heightened energy of the audience lifted the band – who rocked out more than they had done all night. Followed by another upbeat number from the new record, ‘Jive Babe’, this was the perfect way to end the set.
The lights, however, didn’t go up as expected. Despite Paskalev having almost exhausted his repertoire, he crept back on stage solo.
“I’m going to play a song about one of my best buddies ever, my guitarist Joseph,” Paskalev said before launching into quasi-ballad, ‘Hey Joseph’.
Starting and ending the set solo was the great move. The intimate moments bookended the energy that Paskalev’s band exuded, and created a perfect balance in what really was a near-perfect debut Australian show for the Scandinavian. Whatever “it” is, Paskalev’s got it, as exemplified by a stunning first record and equally as impressive live show.
