Live Review: Ben Howard, Machine Translations

Machine Translations embrace the spectacularly transformed tennis stadium that is Margaret Court Arena and lead singer Greg James Walker is privileged to show us his backhand guitar moves. This band craft slow, simple acoustic melodies that gradually build momentum to drifting crescendos. Walker channels his frustration, telling us his car broke down on Monash Freeway earlier in the day and that he was forced to leave some of his equipment behind. Walker powers through and picks up the pace towards the end of the set as he shows us his final “grand slam” with a standout upbeat track called She Wears A Mask.

After rescheduling his Australian tour earlier this year, Ben Howard finally stands beneath the spotlight before us. “Not all great things go to plan,” he tells us, but is easily forgiven as he gives a flawless live performance. Noticeably shy and reserved, Howard plays an uninterrupted set that flows ever so smoothly from the very first note of his opening track Conrad. Howard’s attention to detail delivers perfection as he remains focused on nothing but his music, with no more than a few quietly spoken words. We are enthralled by his passionate storytelling, which draws us in with its strong emotional magnetism. 

In conjunction with his five-piece band, Howard combines intricate instrumental layers that build up to create an incredible atmospheric sound that gives us goosebumps. Multi-instrumentalist India Bourne plays gracefully along on the cello, bass and keys. The intense I Forget Where We Were showcases Howard’s poetic lyrics and unique finger-picking guitar playing. Time Is Dancing is a standout with its strong uplifting melody that is matched by an impressive display of stage lighting and ceiling projections. His cover of Jessie Ware’s Wildest Moments is an original, stripped-back take featuring ethereal acoustic strings and enough raw emotion to melt our hearts. He takes on The Wolves solo, under the spotlight, and concludes his nonstop 90-minute set with an encore of Burgh Island. 

Howard truly thrives in a live setting, but perhaps the larger arena setting is overwhelming for the timid British singer-songwriter. Nevertheless he has a profound natural ability to connect with us on a deeply emotional level through his inspiring lyrics and transcendent vocals.