“One more song,” a fan cried out.
The phrase came early during folk-rocker’s Boatkeeper’s sold-out single launch at Brisbane’s The Milk Factory (23 March).
The venue was crammed with a particularly rowdy crowd. But, as the night wore on, the rowdiness revealed itself to be a deserving enthusiasm for the Mission Beach band.
The chatter didn’t bother opener Jessica Sarah. The local singer-songwriter’s set comprised of acoustic guitar, a friend accompanying on piano and Jessica’s tender coo. The combination made for some delicate songs, but was enough to grab the attention and applause of half the room.
The five members of Boatkeeper crammed together on the small stage, forcing their keyboardist and drummer into a tight corner.
Over cymbal taps and finger-picked guitar came Boyd Fuller’s whispered croon, receiving a lot of whooping from fans; a strange overreaction to such mellow music.
The song ‘Faraway Tree’ bursts open on the final chorus when more percussion enters, the band’s combined harmonies taking it to a heavenly finish.
Most of the crowd had calmed, bar one noisy group who received leers from others. But that didn’t stop the majority from enjoying the soothing pedal steel solo of ‘Ring Ring’.
After several gentle folk songs, Boatkeeper shifted gears to rock mode when they played new material from their upcoming EP, drowning out the more raucous fans.
Boatkeeper started as Boyd’s solo project and it shows on the quieter, older songs. The new material sounds like a different band; one favouring a fuller rock sound and a new grasp on tension and release.
Muted drum taps exploded into big beats and a guitar solo echoed through the room, driving Boyd to shake his head to the faster rhythm.
The band closed with their new single ‘Shadows’. The song showcases their pop side, with catchy hooks and polyrhythms influenced by ‘Graceland’-era Paul Simon. The space is filled with sound on the chorus: fast guitar strums, twinkling keys, cymbals crashing, and Boyd and the audience crying out the lyrics together.
As the final note fades, applause broke out and the chant for one more song returned, only this time it was serious.
With songs of such high quality, it’s no surprise if all Boatkeeper shows end this way.
