Darren Middleton and Guy Pearce. Cremorne Theatre QPAC. Brisbane. 12.02.2015
When I first saw that Guy Pearce and Darren Middleton were playing shows together, I was immediately intrigued. The accomplished actor with a long time passion for music, coupled with the guitarist from one of Australia’s favourite bands, breaking out from side of stage to be a front man. Was it that individually both singer/songwriters were unsure of pulling a crowd, or a clever marketing idea to broaden their individual potential audience? Whatever the original reason, on tonight’s performance the decision to join forces is a good one.
Guy Pearce appears from side of stage and casually sits at the keyboard, says hello and plays Broken Bones, the title track of his new album. He plays it solo and the audience is immediately struck by his powerful voice. The couple behind me saying, “Wow he CAN sing.” He has the crowd’s attention from the first chorus.
Darren Middleton joins for Time is on your Side from his new Translations album. His lovely fingerpicking on the guitar blend beautifully with the soothing and honey sweet tone of his voice. Pearce’s harmonies are perfect, and it seems we are in for a musical treat this evening.
The Cremorne theatre at QPAC provides an intimate atmosphere for the duo, and their stage banter is relaxed and funny. The band is introduced as the Octobers, as every member is born in that month. The Octobers are a fantastic band, each individually high quality musicians, but it’s the way they have blended as a band already, after only a few shows, that probably gives Darren and Guy the confidence to present all new material here tonight.
Storm is next in the set, a Guy song that has a great groove, a catchy chorus and a tasty guitar solo from Middleton. Let Go is the first of a handful of Darren songs played tonight that are so catchy I find by the second chorus I know the melody, and judging by the similar reaction of the people around me I am not alone. We are witnessing great songwriting on display.
Before launching into Be Some Good Pearce has one of many yarns with the audience, explaining his songs in a relaxed manner as if he was at a backyard barbecue with a beer in his hand, rather than on stage with a guitar strapped around his shoulder. When I ask him after tonight’s show why has he not released any music until now, he simply says his “other” job has gotten in the way. He really is good, so it is better that he is putting his music out now than never. Be With You is next, and Middleton explains in an equally relaxed manner that the song is about playing at a festival. With its arpeggiated guitar and hooky refrain it shows some finger-ish traits. Leader of the Land is a political song that Pearce explains is about the leader we all feel we need to be. It rocks! Set it Right has some great vocal harmonies from the Octobers and a break it down drum and bass section that ends in a chick vocal rave up
Storms is a Middleton ballad that again shows a soulful voice and should be a hit! Overflow sees Guy in ballad territory and shows what an accomplished songwriter he is. Lovers Shoes stays in a slow moody tempo and is a guitar strumming singer songwriter ballad. The strong mid low range of Pearce’s voice make Someone Else a highlight amongst the many excellent songs played tonight. Darren explains that his last song in the show was going to be a Powderfinger song and then he reacquired it. Failing Now is perfect for his voice and one could hear it sitting comfortably on any of his former bands albums.
Taste finishes the set and continues with the high standard of song craft we have heard tonight. The encore breaks with the format of new songs and is a powerful reading of Powderfinger’s The Metre. It is the perfect way to end tonight’s performance.
There was no massive amount of production tonight, just an evening of tasteful lighting, a perfectly balanced sound mix and excellent songs. It is rare to go to a gig that is all about the songs. Tonight it was like the audience was just a bunch of mates that Darren and Guy said, “Have a listen to these tunes and tell us what you think.” This is what made an evening with Messrs Middleton and Pearce such a joy.
Words & Photo: Craig L Thomson
