Having attended a show with Australian bush stalwarts Martyn Wyndham-Read and Warren Fahey the previous day, it was a delight to then juxtapose that very traditional presentation with this modern take on the Australian tradition.

As with any traditional music, for it to survive, it must also evolve and that is why bands such as Bush Gothic are so important. Eschewing most of the usual instrumental combination, the group is comprised of Jenny Thomas on violin, keyboard and vocals, Dan Witton on double bass and vocals and finally, Chris Lewis behind the drum kit adding a little bit of keyboards for good measure.

From the opener it was clear that the tradition was about to be radically altered. “Botany Bay” was completely deconstructed and rebuilt into something that barely sounded like the old chestnut that the song is. Not content with old songs, they also look to more recent times to add to that tradition. Hence very original arrangements of contemporary songs, Icehouse’s “Great Southern Land” and John Williamson’s “True Blue” were included in the show.

In introducing the songs, Thomas gave not only a context to the songs but explained their origins, adding greatly to the music by giving the old songs more meaning. This was particularly evident with the beautiful “Past Carin’” where the introduction focussed not on the lyricist, Henry Lawson, but rather his remarkable mother. This song should be better known.

A very intimate performance as it was located in a very small venue, but all the better for it.  Thoroughly enjoyable.

5MBS