Reviewed onWednesday May 4
The former Australian Idol finalist Matt Corby steps out onto the stage a little tentatively for tonight’s gig after the last-minute cancellation of his previous show due to illness. It’s difficult to believe that almost nine years have passed since the then-16-year-old singer-songwriter first came to our attention. As it currently stands, Corby is one of only a select few to have passed through the other side of the reality TV dream factory. A three-night stand of sold-out shows at the Enmore is testament to a maturing performer and songwriter.
Corby – with the help of plenty of triple j airplay – has built a significant following across the country and it’s hard to believe that he has just recently released his debut album after touring extensively for close to five years. Not long after these shows, he’s headed on tour through North America and Europe.
Tonight’s show meanders initially but the scruffy singer in the oversized T-shirt soon finds his stride, delving into a catalogue of radio-friendly hits from his number one album, Telluric. For most of the gig, his folkier material collides with a new soul-inflected sound, accentuated by some nimble flute playing. It’s a bold change in direction that’s well received by the packed crowd. As ever, his vocal range is imposing and his approach deceptively laid-back.
The band provides able support but is not quite in sync with the singer’s new sound. For such an understated performer, the presence of two keyboard players does jar a little bit, despite the second half of the show building greater momentum. Corby rounds out the night with a capable cover of Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ as the crowd begins to saunter out onto the street.
There’s a lot of soul in Corby’s voice but you feel like it needs time to stew a little. No doubt, many will be watching.
