Melbourne singer-songwriter Jen Cloher has released a masterpiece in her new, self-titled album.
On the first stop of her tour at Brisbane’s The Foundry (24 August) she showed just why she is an Australian rock & roll treasure.
Opening was Brisbane psych-pop band Nice Biscuit, whose six members were outnumbered by an impressed crowd. When they sing “I don’t want to go outside”, I suspect it’s because they don’t need to, as their swirling organs, surf guitars and tambourine shakes brings the sunshine inside.
Following Nice Biscuit is Babaganouj, both bands described by Jen as “tasty openers” - pun intended. Singer/ guitarist Charles Sale admits it’s been awhile since their last show, but the band show no signs of sloppiness, obviously joyful in their roaring guitars and perfect songs.
Closing song ‘Too Late For Late’ proved infectious, with even Jen nodding her head along as she peered from the side of stage.
There was barely room to move before Jen Cloher arrived. The crowd made their excitement known with a deafening applause when Jen and her band appeared. Without wasting time, Jen launched into the hell-raising opener ‘Kinda Biblical’.
‘Analysis Paralysis’ proves to be very topical with the Marriage Equality postal survey looming. The crowd let out a big cheer of support when Jen attacks the right-wing of the country for taking “a plebiscite to decide if I can have a wife”.
Jen’s wife and fellow singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett plays guitar in Jen’s band, with her rollicking leads throughout the song making the song almost feel like a duet.
Between songs, Jen was all smiles and a strong Ocker accent. She also showed her appreciation for Australian music. She introduces a cover only saying she had to play it while in Brisbane. Smiles appeared when it’s recognised as ‘Love Goes On’ by hometown legends The Go-Betweens.
She references them again in the dirge of ‘Great Australian Bite’ alongside references to The Saints, The Triffids, Archie Roach and more. It’s understandable if some missed the references, as Jen channelled a deranged preacher to give a startling performance.
When the band closed on ‘Strong Woman’, the crowd decided it wasn’t the case with a huge call for an encore. Jen paid back in kind with a storming rendition of ‘Name In Lights’, ending with her screaming over her band’s noisy eruption.
I reviewed Jen fully knowing the lyrics of ‘Shoegazers’, her biting takedown of music snobs and her place among them.
One of the most notable lyrics is: “Most critics are pussies who want to look cool. Those who can, they do. Those who can’t, review.” It does sting to hear, but she does have a point; I’ll never rock as hard as Jen Cloher does.
With all the great Australian performers Jen listed, it’s safe to say she’s one of them.
