Hauntingly beautiful Folk Bitch Trio open the evening at The Astor this evening , the trio could almost be called acapaella given their low, soft support of the guitar seems to just tinkle in the background accentuating their harmonies.
The Melbourne natives are playing to a healthy support crowd, on a school night too, which I am thrilled to see! All these nay ‘sayers saying live music is dead aren’t paying attention.
With their set grabbing and keeping the attention of the crowd they move smoothly through their story telling. Heide Peverelle, Jeanie Pilkington and Gracie Sinclair have made the Astor feel like a super small intimate setting tonight.
Folk Bitch Trio Gallery
There’s an eclectic crowd at the Astor tonight, new fans and old and 16 years after the release of his debut EP, Ben Howard takes the stage to his second night of a sold out crowd in Perth, ahead of an Australia & NZ tour (I’m sure it still counts as a tour when there’s only one NZ date!) He’s folk, he’s indie rock, he’s pop, he’s alternative. And he’s experimental. With synths, soulful crooning and crowd favourite songs, there is a heathy mix of his back collection and new songs from ’23 album ‘Is It?’
Highlight of the night personally were the acoustic renditions in the middle of the set. Gracious was majestic. Ben on his acoustic showcasing his intricate fingerpicking style, with a single electric guitar to accompany brought the crowd together and with energy & emotion keeping everyone present.
Bringing the return of the band, (& A sea of phones these days which seems to symbol a favourite but, honestly), the wolves is just ahh.. and the harmonies the band brings with it just take it to that next level that no vinyl or cd can match!
Howard’s lyrics have continually challenged and evoked emotions and tonight is no different. His latest album is a much more experimental approach than his previous, and could take some fans more than one listen to fully appreciate, but is well worth the listen. His folk type style is still there & he remains fascinating to listen to and especially watch.
Before closing tonight, he took time to introduce the band and after a short break they returned for their encore, albeit to the foot stomps and cheers of “one more song” he hit the stage to close the night with ‘Spirit’ from latest album.
Ben Howard Gallery
Many thanks to Scrabble PR for the media accreditation
Photos by Linda Dunjey Photography
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