For a man that has inspired beard porn the world over, Chet Faker doesn’t pack the same punch in person. Sweet, rather than overtly sexy, and friendlier than the fame would suggest – Faker played a surprisingly eclectic set to the sold-out crowd of devoted fans.
With only one album under his belt, the singer’s discography is small for a headline tour but fans weren’t worried. Coming as much for his charisma and attitude of nonchalance as for his music, Faker is a man of contradictions. Looking dressed down in a tee, jeans and his signature beanie — he looks like the epitome of laid-back hipster cool. But intersperses his songs with intelligent and passionate talk about performance, the direction of electronic music and about having the courage to improvise and be spontaneous on stage.
He takes his music seriously, opening with a track that was laced with hypnotic beats, ear-poundingly-loud bass and a slightly eerie crooning vocal over the top. Taking this trip-hop feel throughout the entire show, he performed solo for over half the set before being joined on stage by a stripped back band that included drums, guitar and keys. The lighting was moody, the sound sparse and the crowd looked like they were being lulled into a soft surrender, standing almost completely still for many songs before breaking into raucous applause. Having recently battled laryngitis, and waiting around because of a seven hour flight delay, Faker was upfront about how he was feeling, sipping on a flask of tea for the duration of the show. Even this somehow makes him appear more of an everyman, making his music and lyrics resonant deeper.
His success has been rapid and resoundingly viral, and after seeing his live, it’s easy to see how he has captivated the younger generations. With a bravado that is disarmingly appealing, a husky unique voice that makes you swoon and lyrics that are often uncomfortably honest but beautiful, Faker wins you over with his many shades of self.
Chet Faker Tour Dates
Sunday June 22 - Lake Kawana Community Centre (Sunshine Coast)Tuesday June 24 - Glasshouse Theatre (Port Macquarie)
Wednesday June 25 June - Civic Theatre (Newcastle)
Friday June 27 - Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
Saturday June 28 - Anita’s Theatre (Wollongong)
Tuesday July 1 - Forum Theatre (Melbourne)
Wednesday July 2 - The Wool Exchange (Geelong)
Thursday July 3 – HQ (Adelaide)
Saturday July 5 - The Odean (Hobart)
