Reviewed on Friday October 24
“They do it with mirrors.”
“I hear one of them is actually an elaborate clockwork doll.”
“That’s not the real Hannah Crofts. The real Hannah is eight feet tall and has wheels instead of feet.”
These are some of the whispered conversations that were – probably – rustling among the audience last Friday night. Catching the full AOELIT contingent – Katie Wighton, Georgia Mooney, Elana Stone and Hannah Crofts – in Sydney this year has been that rare occurrence akin to sharing a taxi with Bob Dylan and Bigfoot; not impossible, but pleasantly surprising. Seeing all four share the stage for the ‘Tell Me’ single launch was, at last, worth the wait.
An Exes set is a thing of many colours. There is no lead singer as such, and songs are shared rather evenly. Wighton opened the night with a song I’m going to call ‘When You’re Holding Me Close’, and her voice is truly spectacular. In fact, spectacular voices are really the cornerstone of the band, and while each is unique, when they come together it is difficult not to believe these ladies are moving towards memorable things. Their harmonies are so outlandishly good it is like some deus ex machina within the folk world has conspired to bring them together. ‘Our Love Won’t Die’ was a point in case, and I swear I still have goosebumps (or perhaps it’s just some kind of tropical rash, what am I, a doctor?). ‘Hawaiian Nose Guitar’ showcased that most esteemed eponymous instrument from Stone and Mooney, and the expressions of amused seriousness while they played was alone worth the admission. ‘I’m Not That Lonely Yet’ was also a contender for song of the night, and Mooney’s voice is entirely enchanting (she can also rock out a mandolin solo, so, 50 points). ‘Hotel Yorba’, was a clear crowd favourite, while Stone lead the quartet in a rousing rendition of ‘Tell Me’ that had the audience asway.
The most enduring (and endearing) attribute of the group, beyond its musicianship, is the banter. The teasing familiarity on display; the amused asides mid-song; Georgia’s ability to beat a microphone into submission using only her face (classic Mooney); these things all combine to deliver one of the most genuinely entertaining sets you’re likely to see. They’re just so damned charming (even if one or more of their number are actually automatons).
