Josh Pyke just completed a short run of 'fans first' shows finishing at Black Bear Lodge in Brisbane on Wednesday night (12 August).
Pyke started his solo show with not a single word and jumped straight into playing his 2007 hit ‘Memories And Dust’. Following up with ‘The Summer’, it became apparent that in this unaccompanied and intimate setting, with nothing but a loop pedal, stomp box and guitar to back him up, Pyke was in his element. He effortlessly engaged in banter and conversation with his obviously devoted audience who hung off his every word and sang every song lyric for lyric.
Members of the crowd were only able to score a ticket for the show if they pre-ordered his new album, ‘But For All These Shrinking Hearts’, so it was no wonder they were all BIG fans. Pyke knew how to please them though, even taking song requests throughout the night.
Click here for photos from the show.
In the audience was Bellingen musician Jack Carty, who Pyke invited up on stage for a last minute duet to perform ‘Make You Happy’. Fans lapped it up and welcomed Carty back into the crowd when he finished with hearty slaps on the back and murmurs of congratulations.
Pyke showed high attention to detail in adapting some of his songs for a more acoustic style and setting. It was clear he had spent a decent amount of time over the years perfecting his tracks for live performance.
With very limited gear on stage, he was able to create multiple layers resulting in a large, warm sound that reached every corner of the room. His vocal performance was spot-on; he hit every note and it seemed so natural for him.
Image © Kate AtkinsonShowcasing a few tracks from his new album, including ‘Be Your Boy’, ‘Songlines’ and ‘Hollering Hearts’, it was evident that Pyke has developed some variety in his songwriting during his ten-year-long career.
With no signs of stopping any time soon, owing it all to his fans, I suspect Pyke has a few more kilometres left in the tank. His music spoke to his audience. It was a moving thing to watch; I thought I was a big Josh Pyke fan but there are clearly many more adoring and devoted fans out there than I. He told stories of his grandparent’s love and childhood memories that the audience enjoyed and connected with. He made a small mistake during his final song that only made the audience love him more for the way he dealt with it.
Pyke was a completely different person on stage Wednesday night to the man I saw play at The Tivoli in 2013. He rarely spoke between songs and seemed so focused back then.
Performing a solo set, compared to the full band set-up in 2013, Pyke was totally at ease and had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.
Click here for photos from the show.
