Sydney Opera House
Thursday March 7, 2018 :
From the moment conductor Vanessa Scammell took to the stage and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra played the first few bars of Comfort You, we knew we were in for a audible delight. What a exquisite teaser for the nights entertainment. Eskimo Joe took to the stage as if they’d been here before, so comfortable with their surroundings and their new found collaborators. They seemed genuinely amazed at the public response and how SSO embraced them.
The sound is not always perfect at the Opera House when it’s booked for Rock/Pop and it was apparent when Joel Quartermain got the chance to flex his sticks, so much so that he’s efforts overpowered the orchestral arrangements. His efforts were outstanding though as he juggled drums and guitars. Lead singer Kav Temperley was on top form and enjoyed sharing anecdotes about touring and recording in the studio plus the music scene in Freemantle, Perth.
Eskimo Joe’s multi selling album Black Fingernails, Red Wine delivered powerhouse performances, especially in New York and Sarah. Though the edges were not as rough and the arrangement a little polished they still packed a punch of emergency and paranoia. Fan favourites from their breakthrough album From the Sea were also sold and full of vigour.
Guitarist Stu Macleod expressed that some arrangements worked better than others and that was apparent. 2009’s Childhood Behaviour from Inshalla was most definitely a highlight of the night, second only to Running out off Needs, just beautiful.
Reviewer + Photographer : Richard Hedger
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