In his first trip to Australia since his sold-out tour in 2018, Swedish indie folk, singer-songwriter and guitarist, Jose Gonzalez chose the Sydney Opera House (an iconic location he honourably paid homage to as a 'cathedral' for music), to launch a world premiere run of three shows celebrating the 20th anniversary of his 2003 debut album 'Veneer' as part of the premiere night of Vivid Live (26 May).
Gonzalez wandered in nonchalant fashion out to central stage with a glass of red wine, and proceeded (not without initial faltering on the first track 'Slow Moves') to play his sublime acoustic album 'Veneer' in its entirety, followed by popular covers and a few new tracks over a solo 90-minute set.'Veneer', a succinct 30-minute record stemming from his classical and Latin influences, about relationships and their chameleon-like tendencies, is an album Gonzalez admitted he hadn't played in its entirely for over ten years.
In his reflections on this album, he indicated a time and pre-occupation with ideas and concepts about such relationships, his inner struggles, hard times and illusions that perhaps he has since evolved from.
Nonetheless, many in the audience journeyed with Gonzalez, undoubtedly reflecting on the meaning and significance of these tracks in their own lives.
Image © Jordan Munns
A curiously introverted and reflective artist in context of Vivid's dazzling opening night light show displayed spectacularly across the Sydney Harbour, Gonzalez performed a set that was equal parts humble and confident.
One doesn't come to a Jose Gonzalez gig expecting to be dazzled with complex and high-energy sound and interpersonal dynamism.
Simply lit by a spotlight, with some moments of more Vivid-esque flashy red and blue lighting, Gonzalez' musical presence was hypnotic, pared back, with undeniably powerful moments of emotional intensity.
So casual, almost irreverent his demeanour, it would be reasonable to wonder if the softly spoken Gonzalez either hadn't quite digested the gravity and purpose of his own tour (which he described almost as an afterthought between his manager and himself) as an opportunity to reflect on the successes of his debut album; or to assume he wasn't concerned with the weightiness of such things?
Fans of his mysterious, hypnotic vocals and almost physiologically-inspired Latin rhythms, would have been delighted with his perfect performance of popular tracks 'Crosses', 'Lovestain' and 'Heartbeats', as well as other lesser commercially known, but equally beautiful tracks: 'Dead Weight On Velveteen' and 'All You Deliver'.
Image © Jordan Munns
After playing 'Veneer', Gonzalez jokingly introduced the following tracks as necessary to flesh the show out beyond the 30 minutes or so it took to play his album, asking the audience if they could help flesh out the show's length by sharing any anecdotes?
When heckled and asked if he loved Australia, he whimsically replied "It's ok, I mean there are so many countries out there," suggesting a jesting and irreverence for the grandeur of performing in such an iconic venue, and making light of his considerable success in Australia.
Gonzalez played a range of his most popular covers including the melodically beautiful 'Teardrop' by Massive Attack, bringing a ferocity and tenderness to the haunting track; as well as the indie pared back reimagining of Kylie Minogue's 'Hand On Your Heart'.
In a gesture perhaps suggestive of a maturing beyond the more trivial, but ever humanising experiences of relationships that 'Veneer' explores, Gonzalez gently invited the audience to reflect on the ethical importance of humanitarian donation, offering free copies of Peter Singer's 'The Life You Can Save' at the merchandise stand as an example of "the kinds of things I think about these days".
Image © Jordan Munns
While Gonzalez opted to finish the set with a song from his lesser popular band Junip, one can't help but wonder if this would have been the opportune time to play one of his debut albums more popular and powerful tracks such as 'Crosses' to finish up with a guaranteed nostalgic climax?
Nonetheless, Gonzalez delivered a simple and sublime night of lilting melody, gentle rhythms and deft guitar skills, that left the audience reflective and appreciative.
