LIVE REVIEW: Matt Corby, Secret Garden Gig. (Canberra, 02/02/2012)
It's not often you can say you've seen one of your favourite artists play in a strangers backyard to an intimate crowd. And it's not often you find someone with the talent and calibre of Matt Corby, who is willing to do such events.
If you didn't know him from Australian Idol, no doubt you'd know him now, after his track 'Brother' stormed through the charts to take out the number three spot on the Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown. And at just 21, things are only going to get bigger and better for Matt Corby as 2012 progresses.
Canberra performer and the owner of the garden in which Matt would later play, Natalie Magee opened the night and impressed with her quirky lyrics and songwriting skills as well as her vocals, slightly reminiscent of Sara Barielles. Natalie was entertaining to watch, and her songs ranged from quirky and fun loving tunes, to more thoughtful ones with poignant lyrics. A great opener for the night.
Brisbane trio Avaberee took to the stage next, and if you haven't heard of these girls, you are definitely missing out. Their music can simply be summed up in one word: Magical. With beautiful harmonies, and each girl showcasing her own distinctive voice, their self-proclaimed 'harmony infused folk' had the crowd admiring them in a complete, hushed silence. Their originals were simply breathtaking, and their two cover songs had the ability to change two songs that I had never cared for, into two mesmerising experiences. Check out their cover of JT's 'Cry Me A River' here!
Matt Corby was next to grace the stage. Supported by his guitar(s) and the pitter-patter of the rain, his amazing vocals and instrumental skills had the audience transfixed early upon his opening track 'Big Eyes'.
What makes Matt Corby such a great performer to watch, apart from his amazing voice and let's face it, incredible good looks, is how down to earth and modest he is. At times, seemingly taken aback by the crowds enthusiastic reaction, he thanked everyone earnestly for supporting him and when someone yelled out 'number three!' in reference to his Triple J success, he simply described it as 'pretty crazy.' While his music is profoundly deep, and he connects to it on a completely different level to what I have ever witnessed in a live show before, he is not without his sense of humour. When one excited fan yelled out 'Play "Lonely Boy!"' he laughed and proclaimed 'Maybe later...settle down!' to laughs and cheers.
His melodic voice jumps effortlessly from soft croons to loud and energy pulsating vocals, with a certain raspiness that adds to the overall passion and enthusiasm he has when he plays live. A slight mishap and mind blank of the lyrics in 'Souls A'Fire' broke up the intensity of the son, with Matt laughingly asking the crowd 'Does anyone know the lyrics?'
Highlights included opener 'Big Eyes,' cover of The Black Keys 'Lonely Boy,' the smash hit 'Brother' and the untitled song from his 'Into The Flame' EP, which Matt explained as being written after a letter a former girlfriend had left him 'describing everything he had ever done wrong.'
Matt plays with a passion and maturity beyond his 21 years, and to catch him in such an intimate session, despite the terrible weather, was a truly mind-blowing experience. If you have the opportunity to see Matt at a secret garden gig, or just live in general, grab it with both hands. You won't regret it!
Review: Tahlia Pritchard