Matt Corby is on a home run in support of last year’s long awaited Rainbow Valley, with a national tour booked a little later than the album’s release and following a run through Europe.
Melbourne singer Eliott opened the show with a brand of electro soul and a huge voice, while second support Blessed turned it a up a notch with a brand of low-fi grunge-hop. Formerly known as Miracle, the new name and new sound seemed a more understated move away from his hip hop production work but warmed the crown nonetheless.
With a more soulful sound of Rainbow Valley, Matt Corby’s band consists of 8 on stage including two backing singers, with some lush arrangements but generally keeping to the feel of the record. From the opening track Light My Dart Up, Corby pushed through the bulk of the record. For a moment it looked like he was going to play the record in order with follow ups “No Ordinary Life” and “All That I See”.
Bouncing around between keys, drums and even a short flute interlude during “Empires Attraction”, Corby showed off his playing skills but it’s of course his voice that’s the star of the show. Warming up after a few songs, he showed it in all its glory during older numbers and markedly more psychedelic tunes “Soothe Lady Wine, Brother” and a more experimental version of “Monday”.
Rounding out the set with “Resolution” before an encore of “Miracle Love”, Corby shows that while he might not be the toast of the mainstream, his solid songwriting ethic and musical chops can pull a crowd as big as the Hordern’s and still hold it in his hands.
Matt Corby continues his national tour. Remaining dates below.
FOUR STARS OUT OF FIVE
Matt Corby April Tour Dates
April 5: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre – Brisbane (AA)
April 6: Nightquarter – Gold Coast (AA)
April 9: Flinders University Plaza – Adelaide (AA)
April 12:Margaret Court Arena – Melbourne (AA)
April 13: GPAC – Costa Hall – Geelong (AA)
April 23: Odeon Theatre – Hobart (AA)
April 27: Kings Park – Perth (AA)
Feature image: Bryce Jepson
The reviewer attended this show on 29th March 2019
