Live Review: Ray LaMontagne, Tori Forsyth

Entering the State Theatre mid-song would have you believe that Tori Forsyth is most definitely from The Deep South, her singing accent reflected uniquely over the two acoustic guitars on stage. It's when she stopped and said, "I think I can hear my best friend in the audience," that her very Aussie accent hit you.

Her outstanding vocals transport you, with country themes of love and loss tenderly dictated to an attentive crowd. With set highlight, Grave Robber’s Daughter, you could feel the dust and danger in the air. An inspired choice for the support act.

Even on the grandiose stage of Sydney’s State Theatre, Ray LaMontagne was an imposing figure as he quietly made his way to the stage. It was a sparse set-up – two large rugs, a small table with water on it and two microphones. Even LaMontagne’s guitars were delivered to him subtly by a roadie in the background. There was nothing not smooth about this show.

As soon as LaMontagne’s voice cut through - after an unfortunate audio issue - in No Other Way, the gasp in the audience was noticeable. His hushed, raspy voice was breathtaking. There was a warmth to his tone, but also a comforting urgency – intent, if you will – that he needs to get out what he has to say. Along with Wilco’s John Stirratt on bass, the duo continued with Beg Steal Or Borrow, navigating the tempo changes in perfect unison and proving, throughout the night, to have an unspoken connection and synchronicity.

Not much was said on stage, but even the simple, “It’s nice to be here,” was enough to provoke whoops of appreciation. LaMontagne certainly left the talking to his songs. Utilising a harmonica for Empty, his perfect control of the instrument was impressive. 

Such A Simple Thing’s poignant lyric, “My heart is like paper/Yours is like a flame,” melted many in the crowd. An extended version of Trouble had the crowd (quietly) singing along, but the main set finale of Like Rock & Roll And Radio was simply sublime.

There was just a short break before the well-placed Let’s Make It Last, the highly requested Jolene and Wouldn’t It Make A Lovely Photograph - quite a low-key track to finish on, but highly suitable for a show that was one of the sweetest, softest and magical nights of music you’d ever see.