Live Review: Cam Avery, Bobby Burgess, Amber Fresh & Felicity Groom

Bobby Burgess (The Scotch of Saint James) was up first with his bluesy rock and roll and twangy voice. His guitar shredding, confidence and genuine on-stage enjoyment despite the small crowd still made for a great set. Having listened to a few songs on the Amber Fresh/Rabbit Island soundcloud, I was excited to see this gentle singer in a setting like Mojos. Unfortunately, due to a few drunken people, Amber's delicate vocals were swamped by loud chitchat. The latter, however, didn't take away from performance, as her dreamy and mellow voice, accompanied with minimalist chords and flute (by her friend Matt), held together the mystic feel.

Next up were the Felicity Groom Trio, their sound refreshingly eclectic. The track, Finders & Keepers, saw Cam Avery, Joe Ryan (Pond) and Amber Fresh have a sing along with the band. Jungle beat undertones with Felicity's vocals were evocative of Suzi Quatro, while surges of heavy drums and thrashy guitars made for a possessive and unique sound. Cam Avery strolled onto the stage stating ecstatically that he was happy “…to spend [his] last night playing at Mojo's,” as his band The Growl are supporting Tame Impala on their upcoming US tour. The Growl track, 3,6,9, was a standout, as Cam put charisma and bounding pastor-like vocals into every line. His Tom Waits cover, Goin' Out West, really got the crowd going, with everyone singing along to the line “… I look good without a shirt!”, in addition to squeals from female fans, with some in the crowd stomping along too. After a few more songs from The Growl and his collective Allbrook/Avery, he finished off with his own song, written on Christmas day, titled You Can Leave Me On Boxing Day, a comic but emotional song complete with the lyrics, “Grant me with one Christmas wish; love me till Grandma goes home.” By the end of his set there was a sublime atmosphere in Mojo's, the night having brought together a range of music styles and talented musicians that allowed for a showcase of diverse creativity, and I'm sure those lucky to be there would agree too.