Gossling, Boy Outside, Ryan Meeking @ Good God Small Club, Sydney (29/06/2011)
Entering into the Good God Small Club is like being transported into a dimly lit Spanish or Mexican cantina, with thick heavy wooden pillars holding up the low ceiling we’re awash in an eerie red glow from the lamps. This small room that could at best hold 100 people comfortably was a perfectly intimate setting for the tunes we would be treated to this evening.
Ryan Meeking is a singer-songwriter from Melbourne who loves a little bit of between song banter. Performing all on his lonesome tonight he showcases his wares with a charming confidence of an artist who is comfortable with his craft. His narrative songs are delivered with heart and soul and cover a wide variety of subject matter including songs described as “anthems for lawyers”. Before we know it though Ryan is leaving us with his closing waltz-like tune Arrow and despite him being onstage alone somehow the sound in the room is full and rich.
Boy Outside (aka Aidan Cooney) took the next progressive step up and had a double bassist onstage to add more depth and texture to his songs performed on acoustic guitar. There is an interesting eclectic mix here that seems to blur the lines between pop sensible troubadour and tortured blues balladeer with vocals akin to perhaps Ryan Adams or Bright Eyes. For the most part his songs are quite slow in pace, apart from Last Valentine which seems to hop along with a nice beat. The small audience though all seemed entranced and clearly would’ve loved to hear more from this artist after their short 40 minutes was done.
Our headliner Gossling took another step up again in the instrument stakes, bringing out a cellist to accompany her piano keyboard. The Triple J aired track He Knows My Love was the standout for the night, from recounting the story behind the song (a tale written from the perspective of a child whose father was killed before they were born and them recounting the traits which father and child inherently share) through to its closing ghostly strains, the small audience was entirely captivated. Another track off her If You Can’t Whistle EP titled Trailed required Gossling to recruit support act Ryan Meeking’s services on guitar and backing vocals, and the added dynamics brought such a wistful and luscious mood into the room. Gossling’s distinct vocals and her earnest song writing will definitely bring her into contact with many more music fans.
One thing that all these artists share is an ability to convey beautiful simple meaningful songs with a vocal power and energy that defied the intimate surroundings. All three artists may come from a “singer-songwriter” background but all three are unique in style, form and presentation, each with something unique to bring to that genre.
Carina Nilma
Ryan Meeking is a singer-songwriter from Melbourne who loves a little bit of between song banter. Performing all on his lonesome tonight he showcases his wares with a charming confidence of an artist who is comfortable with his craft. His narrative songs are delivered with heart and soul and cover a wide variety of subject matter including songs described as “anthems for lawyers”. Before we know it though Ryan is leaving us with his closing waltz-like tune Arrow and despite him being onstage alone somehow the sound in the room is full and rich.
Boy Outside (aka Aidan Cooney) took the next progressive step up and had a double bassist onstage to add more depth and texture to his songs performed on acoustic guitar. There is an interesting eclectic mix here that seems to blur the lines between pop sensible troubadour and tortured blues balladeer with vocals akin to perhaps Ryan Adams or Bright Eyes. For the most part his songs are quite slow in pace, apart from Last Valentine which seems to hop along with a nice beat. The small audience though all seemed entranced and clearly would’ve loved to hear more from this artist after their short 40 minutes was done.
Our headliner Gossling took another step up again in the instrument stakes, bringing out a cellist to accompany her piano keyboard. The Triple J aired track He Knows My Love was the standout for the night, from recounting the story behind the song (a tale written from the perspective of a child whose father was killed before they were born and them recounting the traits which father and child inherently share) through to its closing ghostly strains, the small audience was entirely captivated. Another track off her If You Can’t Whistle EP titled Trailed required Gossling to recruit support act Ryan Meeking’s services on guitar and backing vocals, and the added dynamics brought such a wistful and luscious mood into the room. Gossling’s distinct vocals and her earnest song writing will definitely bring her into contact with many more music fans.
One thing that all these artists share is an ability to convey beautiful simple meaningful songs with a vocal power and energy that defied the intimate surroundings. All three artists may come from a “singer-songwriter” background but all three are unique in style, form and presentation, each with something unique to bring to that genre.
Carina Nilma