Live Review: The Audreys, Brendan Gallagher

Brendan Gallagher took to the Factory Stage “intimate edition” with a well-tuned guitar and larynx to match. He simply made it look easy, and treated the mostly seated (on the floor that is) audience to a comfortable armchair set comprised of covers and some of his self-penned hits including Secret Country. An apt support for the evening's stars, The Audreys.
Being an Audreys' live performance virgin, this reviewer was unsure what to expect from the show. Research revealed that the band's core duo, lead singer Taasha Coates and guitarist Tristan Goodall, had now won three ARIAs and were well loved by Australian roots-, blues- and folk-loving types. They were not disappointing, however, there did seem to be a noticeable lack of heat on stage. Given it was absolutely freezing outside, seems Sydney had finally decided to bring on winter. Coates' voice, however, was as warm and soothing as a shot of fine, expensive whiskey. Definitely welcome on such a night. And Goodall's naughty boy banter, finger-plucking and rhythmic strumming was the perfect accompaniment. Oh, and whoever that dude on slide guitar was, amazing... Okay, so research tells us it's their producer, Shane O'Mara. How he managed to fit a real live whale into that guitar I'll never know, but at times the plaintive and downright spooky sounds emanating from that thing did make us feel kind of goosebumpy (or maybe just cold). The interplay of slide guitar with Coates' vocals on Bring The Stars Out was particularly beautiful.
All in all a polished set, showcasing the new and eagerly awaited release 'Til My Tears Roll Away. The songs from the album were played in order, which was a nice touch, and afterwards the audience were treated to some of their favourite songs from previous releases.