Eccentric performance art was at its peak at the Powerhouse as an intimate audience enjoyed ‘A Fancy Evening With Brendan Maclean’.
Baz Lurhmann has described him as a “modern day Mick Jagger”, and this performance was the proof required to confirm that statement. The first glimpse of Brendan was a bright pink ankle length fur coat, as he made his graceful way to the keyboard at the front of his stage. At an audience member’s request to “TAKE IT OFF”, Brendan removed the coat theatrically – to reveal a black one-sleeved, lace top and black shorts – and began playing.
The show was purely acoustic, with Brendan being accompanied only by keyboard and ukulele, both of which were played only by him, and played well. The audience was a crowd of few, but it was just enough to create an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Playing covers of songs by Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, Fleetwood Mac and more, Brendan made them into works of his own. If you had not heard the songs before, you would think he had written and produced them himself. An artist that can take the work of someone else’s and transform every aspect of it to suit him or her is a true artist.
Not only did Brendan sing completely revamped covers, but also some original material: some old, and some from his new EP, ‘Population’. He would occasionally stop to speak to the audience, and at one point performed a completely acapella version of ‘Rejazz’ by Regina Spektor, which showcased his vocal talent and fascinating performance style. The crowd favourite of the show was arguably Brendan’s most popular original song, ‘Stupid’, which was played on the ukulele, and turned into a mash up of Katy Perry songs.
Brendan joked with the crowd, telling the story of how his mum came to one of his shows and shouted at him, demanding him to “stop playing so many sad songs” and was kicked out of the venue by security. His ability to communicate so fluently and comfortably with his audience was admirable, and made watching him perform unpredictable and exciting.
The intimate show was indeed ‘A Fancy Evening With Brendan Maclean’. The casual and comfortable atmosphere, and Brendan’s willingness to communicate with and entertain his audience, created a brilliant dynamic. His vocal talent was exceptional, and he proved his ability to perform a handful of different genres with ease.
Four out of five treble clefs.
‘MELT Festival' is on at Brisbane Powerhouse until 15 February.
