Live Review: The Waifs, Jordie Lane

"This is a song I wrote about falling in love in New York... with a sandwich," folk singer-songwriter Jordie Lane comically informed his audience. Clare Reynolds, co-writer of his most recent album, accompanied with beautiful vocal harmonies all the while beating away at a guitar case, which tonight played the role of the bass drum, with her fists. Meanwhile, Lane strummed away on his guitar while sharing everyday stories, wrapping things up by inviting Vikki Thorn on stage to help provide sweet harmonica riffs and giving the crowd an early taste of what was to come. 

Celebrating their 25th anniversary tour, The Waifs proved to be as hard working as ever. Welcomed by rapturous applause at Thirroul's Anita's Theatre, the venue was packed with devoted audience members, some lucky enough to receive shout-outs from the band for no other reason than to say thank you for sticking by the band.

Sisters/vocalists Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn shared MC duties, telling personal anecdotes that ranged from unexpected marriage proposals (Thorn) to finding leaches stuck on nether regions (Simpson). Whether random or hilarious, the sharing of these stories proved to be an integral part of their show that paid off and resulted in huge laughs.

The songs themselves were performed with just as much charisma. Long-time listeners were quickly appeased when London Still got an early spin — receiving a euphoric singalong. Songs from their recent album Ironbark, including the title track and Lion And Gazelle, earned them reverent attention. The acoustic portion of their set, which saw the bassist (Ben Franz) and drummer (David Ross Macdonald) stepping off stage, allowed the original trio to perform more of their classics. Take It In and The Haircut caused attendees to belt out the lyrics right back at Simpson word-for-word. Guitar maestro Josh Cunningham unleashed an untamed solo during Gillian before introducing the band back on stage.

An unrehearsed cover of Johnny B Goode (a tribute to the deceased rock music pioneer Chuck Berry) rounded out the night in truly gracious fashion. The chemistry this band shares, 25 years on, couldn't be more authentic. The Waifs gave it their all on stage, all the while cracking jokes and effortlessly having fun with it.