Live Review: Augie March, Rowena Wise

Augie March's recently released Bootikins album has found the group in fine form, balancing the art and the emotion of their music to resounding effect.

It shows on stage too, with the band displaying a strong sense of musical communion, relaxed and confident in the warm glow of adoration from the Lansdowne Hotel audience.

Earlier in the evening, Sydney singer-songwriter Rowena Wise captivated the swelling crowd with songs that sat somewhere between ornate folk and melancholic indie. They inhabit that sweet spot between ambitious songwriting and the power of a simple, ear-catching melody. The music of Courtney Marie Andrews came to mind when listening to Wise's impressive set.

Opening with The Hole In Your Roof, Augie March immediately set the sonic tone for the evening: a crystalline sound mix, Glenn Richards' voice front and centre with the band musically in simpatico with each other. In years gone by Richards' live performances have occasionally been frustrating and distracting, but tonight he was at the top of his game. His voice has never sounded better, negotiating screes of words and cascading choirboy melodies, often sharing a warm and self-deprecating line of banter in between songs with drummer David Williams. 

The rest of the band went about their business, whether through the rolling rhythm of This Train Will Be Taking No Passengers, the delicate musical backdrops of songs such as The Slant (featuring Wise on violin) or the gentle, hymnal sounds of The Night Is A Blackbird. Augmented by a brass trio, they created a huge ocean swell of sound when required. Surging choruses recalled similar aspirations to The Saints at times.

The Bootikins material fared exceptionally well with When I Am Old and Bitter Clingerzz particular standouts. Augie March's command of dynamics meant they transitioned from a bristling rock sound to sublime intimacy at a moment's notice.

They knew that tonight's show would be incomplete without a couple of songs in particular so they did these justice, inciting audience accompaniment on the iconic One Crowded Hour and the beautiful There Is No Such Place.

Each time Augie March re-emerge with a new album there are always murmurs that it might be their last. But on the strength of the spirit and music on display tonight, this band is currently bathing in a creative glow.