Live Review: Ben Howard

Ben Howard played a breathtaking show to a full house at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.

Not one to be bothered with stage banter, Howard got straight into the set. Backed by his eight-piece band, they opened with Black Flies, the graphic behind them echoing the serene melody, showing a slow pull inward from a window facing a peaceful forest vista. Howard sat hunched over his guitar, his fingers lightly and expertly flying over the frets and strings.

He then performed A Boat To An Island On The Wall, which began with drawn-out reverb, adding layers bit by bit; soft harmonics, then a decisive drumbeat gradually building and culminating in an incredible almost metal-like shredding crescendo.

There's something coastal about his music, how it ebbs and flows and immerses you in it. Nica Libres At Dusk, the opening track from his new album, further evokes the natural world by the complex soundscape that evolves with the song, with the band using their instruments to mimic the sound of an eagle, and footsteps on the earth.

Howard resolutely steered from playing old favourites, choosing mostly songs from his newest album, Noonday Dream. What The Moon Does was a standout, taking the crowd along with it as it built up and leaving them breathless.

Seeing the large band makes you appreciate the complexity and magnificence of Howard's music, and the many layers. The deep, meandering style of the guitar and his mellow vocals make it feel as though his music is coming from within you somehow, the heartbeat quickening as the songs evolve and increase pace.

Howard and Mickey Smith, the talented multi-instrumentalist beside him, exquisitely harmonised in a quick but delightful interlude, called All Down The Mines. It is much richer to hear live than how it appears on the album, and more enjoyable.

The band completed a magnificent set with Promise and Howard left the stage before the song's natural conclusion, his part done. The band came back and gifted the crowd with two familiar tracks; Small Things and Conrad.

Having seen him a couple of times now in different venues, you can definitively say that Howard is best enjoyed at Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Absolutely outstanding.