Review: Vance Joy w/ Elle King at Stubb’s BBQ 3/6/16, Austin, TX
Vance Joy is exactly what you'd expect; there is no mystery to him. He is a tall, talented, charming, swoon-worthy musician. He is an acoustic artist backed by a talented band. But you will not be surprised by his performance. Vance Joy is the guy or girl you date because it is comfortable and sure, nothing is actually wrong in the relationship, but they just don’t challenge you. That is not a bad thing for some; he really is a talented musician who can handle basic chords, write great love songs, and melt your heart with his voice. But, just like his music, his live performance will not disappoint you, it just won’t excite you unless you have an emotional connection with one of his songs. And who are you kidding? You know you do. For an artist that was not packaged for the masses, he has people listening. Even some Austin hipsters.
His freshmen album was an automatic success, there is no question about that. But it is 2016 and he is still touring the same album he previously toured in late 2014. It is the Fire and the Flood tour with 2 bonus songs (one song respectfully named to the tour). But those bonus songs are his best songs (“Fire and the flood & Straight Into Your Arms” and some songs from his first EP.) Initially, I was worried there would be a terrible acoustic-driven set. For someone who has been touring the same songs for 2 years, he should not be as pitchy vocally or with his instrument. But most importantly, the arrangement should be able to flow fluidly throughout the entire set. The first 3 songs were a rough listen, even if the weather was a bit sticky, it does not account for lack of ability to rearrange and reconstruct a song that can still translate live. Vance Joy is fun to listen to; I admit I have that song that takes me to a place where I am reminded how love can exist.
But wow for Elle King! She is the polar opposite of Vance Joy. King is one charismatic woman. Live performances require great banter. I believe the in-between is just as important as the actual music at a concert. Elle King does not disappoint. She curses, she is crass, she's so fucking honest with attitude that there was nothing more amazing than seeing her sing and jam out on her guitar or banjo, all while holding a blue solo cup. I had only heard two songs from Elle King, “Ex’s and Oh’s” and “Under the Influence,” 2 of her 3 singles. Her entire performance had me downloading her debut album, Love Stuff for $5.99 the next day on iTunes. She has depth and with a musical background prior to her own solo work, you would think she is a veteran. She has a polished, true rock ‘n roll sound and raspy voice that lingers. Her lyrics embody exactly the persona she lets off -- she is the one in charge. She could care less what you think about her, especially her exes. That makes for great music and someone who probably should have been the headliner over Vance Joy. Her lyrics and the composition make her a true singer/songwriter. King has the attitude to back up the little twang that sprinkles throughout her music. Who doesn’t love a little twang?