Little larrikin Lawrence Greenwood AKA Whitley has been MIA from the Australian music scene for a while on an indefinite hiatus. For those not familiar with Whitley he was basically Australia’s answer to Scott Walker or Nick Drake, a troubadour with impeccably crafted heartachingly sweet songs. His hiatus resulted in a lot of travelling to some intriguing locales and has now resulted in a revitalised Whitley and a brand new album in Even The Stars Are A Mess.
Tonight’s teaser was held in Hibernian House; basically somebody’s apartment loungeroom or loft area which had been converted into a performance space. Decked out with couches, cushions and stools, while blinking fairy lights hung above the stage area and tea light candles were scattered around; it was all very casual and informal. Those of us who snuck in early got to lay claim to a couch and somehow around 50 or so people were crammed into that little space for the mini-gig.
Whitley hasn’t stretched too far from his safe zone here, the songs still feel similar to his earlier releases Go Forth, Find Mammoth and his debut The Submarine. His strength lies in writing songs that on first appearance look rather simple but is anything but, with layers of instruments and eloquent lyrics. This time around though Greenwood is behind a refurbished old organ and he jokingly quips “I play an organ now, guitars are for losers” before apologising to his guitarist.
Amongst the long droney organ chords we’re treated to stomping kick drums and delicately plucked guitars and jangling tambourines and ethereal backing vocals courtesy of Esther Holt. There are moments where I think I’m listening to Massive Attack “Teardrop” meshing with The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights”. His lead single My Heart Is Not A Machine is softly sweet and has that yearning pleading husky vocal that blends with the music rather than overpowers. There’s fragility to the songs, while his words emanate a sense of tortured anxiety and a need to overcome those troubles. We’ve all been there in those dark places and times but it’s Greenwood’s ability to put that down in words and music that makes it all the more gorgeously heart-wrenching. After about half a dozen tracks we’re thanked profusely for listening so attentively and enduring Greenwood’s attempts at humour and the showcase is over.
Whitley will be touring his new album Even The Stars Are A Mess in Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne in mid July, 2013.
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