Live Review: Nick Waterhouse, Mojo Juju

Perth International Arts Festival 2015, having already delivered mind-blowing shows from Chet Faker, Bombino and Lake Street Dive, made every effort to impress for its send-off event. American singer-songwriter Nick Waterhouse proved to be the perfect fit.

First up, blues-roots musician Mojo Juju lived up to her reputation as one of Australia’s most genuine and invigorating artists. Juju, during her opening number, blasted her raw, unrelenting vocals across the CBD, Juju and her supporting players’ impressive instrumentals and range luring the frenzying crowd in. Her quirky persona, illustrated by out-there references and explicit jokes, gave Waterhouse a tough act to follow.

Nick Waterhouse, sporting a fashionable brown jacket and skinny jeans, walked out to thunderous applause. His smooth, radio-presenter voice set up the succeeding two hours effortlessly. Immediately, his friendly, easygoing personality drew whoops and cheers from the crowded mosh pit. Despite rarely acknowledging the audience, his song introductions, describing the places and people that inspired them in significant detail, showcased his unquestionable quick-wittedness and intelligence. His opening performances summed up the festival’s rollicking energy and enthusiasm. He, playing with several regular band members, brought a taste of sun-scorched California to each track. His band’s rapport kept everyone excited despite innumerable on-stage discussions and tuning breaks. Brittany Manor, in particular, made her presence known through unforgettable back-up vocals. His Beach Boys-esque vibe sent the pit into head-bopping, jiving fits of excitement.

Pop-jazz renditions of Ain’t There Something That Money Can’t Buy, (If) You Want Trouble and Dead Room displayed his trademark electric guitar riffs, deep hooks and scintillating tempos. Waterhouse’s performance pulled out all the stops, going so far to give each track its own distinctive light show/smoky haze concoction. As blazing colour patterns lathered the stage, Waterhouse and co. tore through powerful renditions of It’s Time, Holly and I Can Only Give You Everything. The break-neck pace refused to let up, slowing only for a saucy rendition of Raina. His ‘80/‘90s stage vibe clashed effervescently with his ‘60s-style rock-jazz stylings throughout. A Marty McFly-driven guitar solo wouldn’t have seemed out of place! Waterhouse, acknowledging his first Perth performance, delivered a worthwhile collection of hits from his first and second albums. Sixteen Pills and It No. 3 sent everyone into jive-tacular bursts. Waterhouse rounded out his monstrous set with bass-and-keyboard-heavy versions of Don’t You Forget It, Say I Wanna Know, Time’s All Gone and This Is A Game. His single-track encore performance was a sterling capper to the flawless festivities. See you next year, PIAF.