Performing under the monkier Vance Joy to sold out crowds across the country, singer-songwriter James Koegh is well on the way to making a name for himself. Especially given he’s only released one EP (God Loves You When You’re Dancing).
The Melbourne artist performed a short headlining set at a sold-out Corner Hotel show, the last stop on his national tour before heading overseas.
Although less than an hour in length, the crowd were mostly satisfied as he charmed his way through a set of acoustic folk tracks laced with pop elements and a country twang.
Accompanied by “Handsome Chris” on keys, “Handsome Ed” on drums, and “Johnno” on bass, Keogh jested that he “dogs one of them every show to keep them on their toes.”
Keogh’s down to earth, personable nature was evident as he thanked the audience countless times and chatted between every track.
It’s not often a musician almost entirely sells out a national tour and yet still looks bemusedly happy at the reception to each of them. His stunned yet beaming smile suggested humility in its purest form, and enchanted the crowd accordingly.
Acoustic guitar and pleasant harmonies saw Keogh through the tracks off his EP, allowing room for several newer numbers that showcased a charismatic set of storytelling abilities.
He performed a solo rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Dancing In The Dark’ as a treat for the packed room. Bringing down the tempo while he raised their emotions, the crowd finally found their voice and sang along.
The band returned for ‘Snaggletooth’ before being joined by Roscoe James Irvin on trumpet for the second last number of the night, crowd pleaser ‘Play With Fire’.
Despite a vocal “fuck up”, Koegh admitting his excitement at people clapping along had distracted him, the until-now lacklustre audience had made it clear that they didn’t know the majority of Joy’s songs.
Sadly, many spoke through the rest of the set until they finally recognised a song they knew the words to. Closing number ‘Riptide’, Vance Joy’s biggest hit to date, extracted waves of enthusiasm from the crowd that were almost nonexistent earlier in the evening.
While the modest Keogh might be increasing his Vance Joy profile in leaps and bounds, the unenthusiastic response at the Corner suggests he’s not quite there yet. Or maybe the crowd was just shit.
With a talent as raw and unassuming as this, high hopes remain for what’s to come. Perhaps an album will stop the chatter during the unfamiliar songs.
Set list
1. Emmylou.
2. From Afar.
3. On The Red Eye.
4. Wasted Time.
5. Dancing In The Dark. (Bruce Springsteen)
6. All I Ever Wanted.
7. Snaggletooth.
8. Play With Fire.
9. Riptide.
