GIG REVIEW – DAVID M. WESTERN ‘CHILD MIND’ ALBUM LAUNCH @ THE OLD BAR, 18/08/22
Photo’s by @rcstills
A cold Thursday night at Fitzroy’s The Old Bar was the perfect setting for a night of great music and laughter as we came together to celebrate the release of David M. Western’s album, ‘Child Mind'.’
Upon walking into the venue, there was a feeling of warmth and excitement with a fireplace crackling in the corner and looking up the stairs you would see David shooting content to celebrate his album release. As supporting act Maia began her soundcheck, the crowd dispersed from the fireplace and the heaters outside to gather for what would be a beautiful opening to kickstart the event.
Alone with her guitar, Maia had a great stage presence, although admittedly nervous, her twangy guitars and mesmerising voice kicked the show off with great style and warmth. With a voice reminiscent of Aussie acts such as Carla Geneve, she seemed to glide over the few songs she performed. A highlight of the show was ‘The Warmest of Places',’ a song about night sweats, the song was like warm hug to a crowd who thoroughly enjoyed her folk qualities. With tracks such as ‘The Other Side of This’ and ‘Like Honey’, it was clear why Maia was chosen to support Western at his album launch
Following Maia was Melbourne based band Quality Used Cars who produced a harmonica filled folk experience that amped the crowd up for the headliner. The keys and guitars of this set were invigorating, with songs like ‘Rip off Merchant’ and ‘Worlds Been Turning Upside Down,’ these quirky ballads were highlights of the set. ‘Rip Off Merchant,’ described by the lead as a song about someone who would constantly call him, “a rip off merchant,” the crowd was ruminating on the thought of his story as the song was extrapolated into a brilliant ballad. The keys on this song really got a groove into the crowd that was enthralling the small band room as the harmonicas filled the chorus producing this folk throughline that was the perfect way to welcome the headliner.
David M. Western ended the evening in great fashion. With his band, he produced a great rapport and was rightfully thankful to the opening acts who set him up brilliantly. For anyone who has listened to Western’s new album ‘Child Mind,’ it does not disappoint live. Great renditions of tracks like ‘Run’ and ‘Tissue Box Blues.’ The set gradually built from a beautifully slow acoustic beginning to a band fil Bluesled harmonic ending. The penultimate song was brilliant ‘Pressed Flowers,’ cementing what was an immaculately paced set. With the singer’s great crowd interaction, there was a journey being had in The Old Bar on this Thursday evening. The band were excellent supporting his beautiful voice and lyrics that could not be outshone, slowly caressing his instruments and creating a warm and melancholic feeling that carried throughout the entire set.
Beautifully crafted and executed, all of the acts were at the top of their game producing a perfect night of folk/rock music that left the crowd wanting more.
Be sure to listen to David’s new album ‘Child Mind’ and check out Maia Marsh and Quality Used Cars
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