GIG REVIEW: JACK LADDER & THE DREAMLANDERS LIVE - MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE w/ STRINGS APRIL 27th
Australian rock singer-songwriter Jack Ladder took to the stage at the iconic Melbourne Recital Centre last month. Performing his latest album ‘Hijack!’ alongside The DreamLanders With Strings, this show was such a special moment as we continue to slowly see the return of live music here in Victoria.
As the lights dimmed, sound began to soar throughout the room as the realisation kicked in that the show was about to begin. The excitement created a pulsating energy that was kept consistently throughout the entirety of the performance. The show began with ‘Astronaut,’ a blistering and powerful opener into what set the tone of one of the more mesmerizing concerts one can attend.
Sitting down in the ambient Recital Centre, the room was toasty and warm, which matched the overall timbre and tone of the instrumentation. Furthermore, given the nature of the album’s cold dark lyricism and storytelling, the coziness of the Melbourne Recital Centre contrasted nicely against the song’s material, creating that feeling of someone giving you a big hug after a long hard day.
The performance itself was excellent. Detailing a wide range, of dynamics and sounds, everyone on stage was engaged and full of energy. This transcended into the audience as members became emotionally engaged through notions of wonder and bewilderment, which given the circumstances of a seated concert isn’t necessarily an easy thing to do.
Jack was also in fine form devoting us with his charm and stoic persona, as he took centre stage rocking out with his long wavy hair. Singing from the grand piano, his alluring vocal performance set the audience into a trance of awe. His dry wit and sense of humour was also on full display letting us know that the lyric sheet he was using could be purchased out the front for just $15 mid way through the performance (who doesn’t love a cheeky little merch plug).
A highlight was his performance of original ‘Blueberry Eyes,’ a soft piano ballad that is both provoking and innocent within its lyricism. Before he began, Jack explained that the song was written for his daughter, a very sweet moment given the usual aesthetic and emotion of doom and gloom that you get within Ladder and his music.
What stands out about Jack as a performer is that he understands encores. After finishing the album, instead of walking of stage and teasing us on whether or not he will come back, he seamlessly stood up, picked up his guitar, and was ready to go again claiming, “I was supposed to walk off” casually shrugging his shoulders, as the band then launched into ‘Beautiful Sound’ and ‘Cold Feet’ which can be found on his 2011 album ‘Hurtsville’.
All in all, the night was a total blast, and Jack Ladder and The DreamLanders With Strings was certainly a stand out. With the art sector taking a massive hit over the last few years, it’s good to see live music back within Australia, but more importantly Melbourne, Victoria.
The Hijack! tour continues in June, with shows in Brisbane at the The Triffid on the 9th, and at the Eltham Hotel, Eltham on the 10th.
CHECK OUT JACK LADDER AND THE DREAMLANDERS
