大象传媒

In the heart of the renowned Holylands area (a particularly volatile environment at this time of year), lies a quaint haven, hidden by over looming trees. Non-profit coffee shop Common Grounds is staging an intimate evening of stripped down music in the aid of charity.

Opening up the evening is folk based singer-songwriter Nathaniel McAuley. Playing barefoot in true folk style, he plays a short but mesmerising set with his own take on minimalist traditional folk, spinning yarns that often shift between whimsy and woe. The highlight of the set comes in the form of closing song, 'Fire Dance,' where Spanish influences are rife.

Acerbic rockers Neizsche's Last Days step up to the plate immediately after McAuley. Having spent previous months establishing themselves as a ferocious rock band, tonight we see them revealing a new dimension to their sound and further exemplify their creativity, by leaving the distortion pedals in the case, and taking out the acoustic.
N.L.D. don't lose any impact however; the stripped down guise of these songs carry a certain sobriety and brooding tenacity that remains otherwise unheard in the local music scene.

The band translates their songs into their acoustic guises with utter aplomb, and it demonstrates how malleable and diverse their material is. Even with just a 5-song set including a terrific cover of Radiohead's 'There There', Neitzsche's Last Days further showcase their bloating potential and what they are capable of.

Last up is the self professed "two-man power trio" Chamberlain-King & Costello, that consists of Mr. Costello on vocals and electric guitar, with the highly eccentric Mr. Chamberlain-King who takes out various instruments seemingly from a well hidden magician's hat, from mandolin to melodica. They treat the attentive audience with a highbrow display of avant-garde pop.

To finish a wonderful evening of music, the duo play a spectacular full-length version of David Bowie's 'Station to Station'.

This was perhaps one of the most relaxing and enjoyable displays of music I have witnessed in some time. The cafe has an unpretentious, rustic ambience that perfectly accompanies the refined entertainment. While rock egos are left by the front door, idiosyncrasies are warmly welcomed. The small cafe is a peculiar but utterly perfect setting for an evening of cultured indulgence.

Chris Johnson
Photos: Chris Johnson

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