Live Review: Jen Cloher, Max Savage - The Wheatsheaf Hotel

Opening the Sunday afternoon show was local lad Max Savage sans his False Idols. Although without a backing band, Savage had an accompanying guitaris for this set of scountry-inspired Australiana meets folk, telling tales of life, love and heartbreak through song.

The howl of his voice poured authenticity into his songs, while some touches of mandolin kept things interesting.
Jen Cloher made the Wheatsheaf feel like it was built just for her, a seated, cosy and homely venue where she could share not only her songs, but the backstories, experiences and history that built them. Taking to the stage solo with her acoustic guitar for her first song, she held her sold out crowd captive.

Shortly after, she was joined by Australian gem and Milk! Records buddy Courtney Barnett. Only recently was Barnett back from touring overseas, just in time to join Cloher on guitar and vocals, a very warm introduction from what sounded like a proud Cloher, claiming Barnett was taking over the world – and she wasn’t wrong. Numbers from previous EP, Baby We Were Born To Die, which was co-written by the two, was adorable to the ears. This was not a standalone song in the set of older material but was next to some sparkly new songs from newest album, In Blood Memory.

Kicking it back to a solo act for the last couple songs of the set, Cloher was determined to get one hundred per cent of the crowd involved for a singalong. A quick tutorial on one particular line and she jumped into Save Me From What I Want. Of course the crowd was happy join in, nailing the line at the beginning of each chorus and even an ambitious few jumping in for surrounding “ooooh”s. The final song was a touching tale of her parents’ love and her mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. It was heartbreaking, completely beautiful and a pleasure to have Cloher share that with everyone. The attention she captured at the start of the set was still there right through to the end, giving her fans a peep into the mind of this strong songstress who most definitely has not lost her touch or way with words.