Presented by Select Music
Reviewed 21 February 2014
I have been a fan of Josh Pyke’s music since I first heard his album Memories and Dust in 2006, but have never seen him live until he rolled into the Garden this year to perform a one night only show. Pyke’s style of music is something that I can only explain by referring to it as poetry set to acoustic guitar, and it was perfectly at home in the beautiful Paradiso Spigeltent. However if you are going to see something in the tent, I warn you get there early to find a seat or booth which is not obstructed by one or more poles, which was actually rather difficult due to the gig being sold out.
Was this the most energetic, active or visually spectacular show I have ever seen? Well, no. Pyke stood in one place hopping from foot to foot, and the most he moved during the one hour show was changing from one acoustic guitar to another. All this being said however, Pyke has created one of the most intimate and musically beautiful concerts I have ever had the privilege of attending.
Pyke’s entire set was filled with his emotive, heartfelt and beautifully simplistic music. His looping was amazing, especially on White Lines Dancing, and I may have fan-girled hard when Pyke played Candle in Your Window, a track I personally feel is his most under-rated gem.
Warm in Winter and Order Has Abandoned Us were crowed favourites and were all released on Josh’s newest album The Beginning and the End of Everything, which was released in 2013. Leeward Side, again off The Beginning and the End of Everything, appeared in last year’s Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown at number 88, and created quite the stir amongst the audience.
Middle of the Hill, Lighthouse and Lines on a Palm kept all the long-time fans happy, with new vocal parts, amazing looping and echoes added for excitement.
This Fringe performance is part of Pyke’s Lone Wolf Tour, where he will be recording the concerts for a live album of the same name. Pre orders for the live album can be made at www.joshpyke.com, and will include the best recordings from around the county.
While I cannot say I recommend you see this performance, at least I can recommend you track down the live album when it becomes available. Like me, you won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed by Jenna Woods
Venue: Paradiso Spigeltent, The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Rundle Park, Adelaide
Season: 21 February 2014 only
Duration: 60mins
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