Amidst the low-lit setting of Melbourne’s Ding Dong Lounge, an elaborate set up on stage loomed with tales of wonderful things to come. Fresh from receiving rave reviews at Brisbane’s BigSound, a sharply dressed Jan Skubisewski took to the stage admirably on time and accompanied by his fellow musicians to play to the packed out venue on Friday that had gathered to witness the release of his new EP by new solo project, Way Of The Eagle.
The ARIA-nominated producer, engineer and composer moved with ease as he stationed himself behind his Nord Electro and introduced himself to the crowd.
James ‘Laneous’ Lane from Laneous and The Family Yah is the first of a long line of renowned musicians that enter the stage and quickly launches into “Shadows”.
Transitioning seamlessly into the second song, Melbourne’s very own Daniel Merriweather took to the stage to join Skubisewski in a fast paced number from the EP, Find Your Love. Merriweather’s distinct vocals are as impressive live as the singer, lauded for hits such as “Stop Me” and “Water And A Flame”, gear the crowd up into a thunderous clap.
Upon the exit of Merriweather, Skubisewski introduces the audience to the next guest singer by detailing their meeting in Louisiana and bonding over a transient lifestyle. A suited Glenn Mossop of Bonjah acclaim then joins Skubisewski on stage as they launch into “Dirt In My Shoes”. Mossop’s vocals are well suited to the track
Bringing Laneous back to grace the stage, Skubisewski informs the crowd the song they are about to hear next is quite possibly the most sexual song he has ever written. “Sweet Addiction” is everything Skubisewski has promised and so much more as Laneous’ versatile vocals are again showcased in this more seductive number that incites several catcalls from the audience.
Amy Findlay from Stonefield is next to step up on stage as they perform another number, “Smiling Sleepers”. The Victorian songstress proves popular as elicit calls of “We love you, Amy!” and wolf whistles run rampant in the performance. The most noteworthy performance of the night however was Ella Hooper’s performance of an old classic, “Blue Moon”, that had the crowd cheering and singing along. For this particular number, Skubisewski stepped back from his keyboard to pick up a guitar and joined in the serenading, as Hooper’s enchanting stage presence was enthralling.
To bring the elaborate performance to a close, Dan Sultan finally makes an appearance to perform the pair’s highly anticipated and hit single, “Rattlesnake”.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the title song from the EP is every bit as catchy and magnificent when relayed live. Sultan’s dishevelled appearance lent a raw edge to the number as he crooned about the notoriously age-old venomous female that captured his heart and had the whole venue on their feet.
Within a brief 45 minutes, the performance is over and Skubisewski thanks the crowd for their attendance, as we are all now quite well and truly acquainted with the way of this eagle.
