Live Review: Ben Salter

If you were looking for somewhere warm to ride out Brisbane’s winter ‘chill’ on Friday night, then Black Bear Lodge was your place — perhaps a little too warm, the heat radiating from the narrow upstairs venue strong enough to fry eggs; pretty sure I came out with a tan, mildly sautéed. 

Of course, while basting, music is the order of the day, in this instance the album launch for prolific Brisbane/Melbourne muso Ben Salter, responsible, in part, for the likes of The Gin Club, Giants Of Science and The Wilson Pickers. Tonight however, the focus is on Salter’s latest release, his second solo album, The Stars My Destination, a melodic little pop/rock/folk gem, released a little while ago through ABC/Universal. Salter, running a casual half hour or so late, fills the small Black Bear stage to capacity, including a couple of appearances from Seja Vogel on keyboards, fresh from her support slot: a discordant yet melodically solid set incorporating keyboards, a host of gadgets and her strong voice, looping and swirling around, utilising Salter himself for a rendition of Men At Work’s Overkill. Back to Salter — he and band immediately lock in, seeming to have been playing together for eons. He engages a two-piece string section for a good portion of the set, their buzzing tones a great accompaniment to the jangling, guitar-based music he does so well.

It’s all about the lyrics here, Salter having a knack for turning the everyday into a relatable experience, which, when sung in his strong, distinctly Australian voice, makes for songs that resonate with all and sundry — as we walk home afterwards, we liken him to Paul Kelly in this way, able to create beauty out of the drab everyday grey. They don’t play for too long, the hour seeming to slip by too quickly, but it’s quality not quantity, a fine set from a man who’s been around the block and who’s still striving to challenge both himself and his audience. The title track from the new album stands as a highlight, not just of tonight’s gig, but of how well Salter is able to put together a song, his arranging impressive, the resulting live set a thrill to watch — good stuff.