When you spy a didgeridoo on stage, you know that the show ahead will be anything but generic and lifeless.
The array of instruments strewn across this same stage hint at a smorgasbord of sounds to come. The question is, will it be harmonious? Or a cacophony?
Supporting the Pierce Brothers for the last show of their ‘Tallest Teepee In Town’ tour are fellow Melbourne residents Brooke Taylor and Tanya Batt.
Taylor, a pocket rocket with country soul permeating from her pores, entertains early arrivals to the matinee show at the Northcote Social Club. With her she brings relatable lyrics, foot-stomping cowgirl boots, fiery red locks, and killer vocals.
Hot on Taylor’s heels is Batt accompanied by her band. After a cheeky request –“I’m out of whiskey… Dad?” – the indie pop songstress and her fellow musicians unleash a strong set full of haunting vocals and dreamscape melodies. Notable offerings include the title track to her debut EP duet ‘Atlas’ as well as ‘Jail Birds’ and the Mumford And Sons cover, ‘Liar’.
The audience hitherto has made use of the surprisingly comfortable carpet of the band room, seating themselves in neat rows on the floor like a primary school assembly.
While the atmosphere during the first two acts is one of a Sunday chill-out session, the main act takes a rowdier route.
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The Pierce Brothers – Jack and Pat Pierce – are back on home turf after a whirlwind four-date tour to promote their newest single, ‘Tallest Teepee In Town’.
The brothers look excited to see familiar faces interspersed among fans. The room is full of friends and followers alike all lucky enough to have discovered the duo’s special blend of indie folk and roots music.
Despite a full-on couple of days, the twins get right into the zone, one that has contributed to their growing reputation as an amazing high-energy live act.
From the spot-on harmonies to their easy stage presence, and using a plethora of musical instruments that generate a much bigger sound than a two-man band generally creates, the Pierce Brothers have a certain musical presence that’s very appealing.
The artists’ new single, ‘Tallest Teepee in Town’, may be their best offering yet, with vocals that pack a punch and hook the audience in from the very first notes.
The set is peppered with a little bit of everything, from a rousing rendition of Neil Young’s ‘Heart Of Gold’ (with obligatory audience participation) and the infectious nautical turns in numbers ‘The Anchor’ and ‘White Whale’, to the up-tempo crowd-pleaser ‘Blind Boys Run’, the title track off their debut EP that has sold over 10,000 copies.
After ‘Empty Canvas’, a more sombre and slower number, the mood lifts with the instrumental homage to John Butler Trio’s ‘Ocean’ titled ‘A Self Portrait’. Jack uses every surface of the stage – be it the floor, wall, or ceiling – to create different sounds with his drumsticks. To everyone’s delight, he also brings out the didgeridoo.
Another crowd favourite is the catchy ‘Golden Times’ that sees Jack playing the didgeridoo while simultaneously holding a harmonica to Pat’s mouth.
To close the gig, Taylor and Batt join the brothers on stage for a highly energetic and all-round infectious tune, ‘Flying Home’.
After seeing the multi-talented and entertaining brothers live, one can’t help but want to be invited to the after party.
