Live Review: Didirri, Batts, Max Quinn

9 April 2018 | 11:01 am | Mick Radojkovic

"The rudeness of the crowd was astounding. Why pay money to see an artist and then talk all night?"

More Didirri More Didirri

When it comes to listening to music, it's the sound of the instruments that can make you feel it, but it's the lyrics that really make you tingle. Tonight, at the Lansdowne Hotel, three different lyricists proved how important good words can be.

With a guitar and a cheeky grin, Max Quinn took to the Lansdowne stage to play his unique brand of wordy, folk-punk acoustic tunes. Not only is Max quite the wordsmith, his between-song banter is some of the best you'll hear, discussing his worst date ever, throwing up at the Marrickville Metro (surprisingly, the second song on this topic I've heard) and the wind in Fremantle in relation to cricket. All the while Quinn threw songs in between, often pausing to re-tune or continue chatting. It was an endearing set from a talented writer.

Tanya Batt loves space, a good laugh and writing excellent music. Now known at Batts, she is on the verge of something big with her distinct voice and beautiful songwriting. Somedays from her 62 Moons EP was a perfect introduction to what her voice can do. The hypnotic aura of her sound entranced the room (half of which were sitting down). Like the other artists tonight, she likes a mid-set chat and told humorous stories of her life, including her brother's secret shame! You have to see her live to learn what that is. She unveiled a brand-new track to be released in a week and a half, Shame. It was a tantalising set that made us feel like we were floating in space, just as she no-doubt intended.

There is something special about Didirri. Since his emergence in 2016, his popularity has been steadily climbing (coincidentally named on the TEDx line-up this week) and with good reason. The combination of a perfectly rounded voice, pinpoint and poignant songwriting and skilful guitar playing speak volumes of the young Warrnamboolian.

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

The first word of the set was "Breathe". Didirri's inescapably warm tone transfixed most of the room, but unfortunately the night was marred by noisy chatter on the fringes. A cover of The Monkees' Randy Scouse Git came early in the set as Didirri was joined by a full band, including the effervescent and talented Daniel O'Keefe on guitar.

As was the theme for the evening, mid-set banter was top notch as Didirri shared a story of late nights with mates, writing in LA and the indeterminable 'Black Dog'. Unfortunately, the audience felt the need for their own banter all night, causing Didirri to plead, "Can I get a bit of shush over here? You can do it outside." You never want to see an artist have to ask for quiet, but the rudeness of the crowd was astounding. Why pay money to see an artist and then talk all night?

The tour is named after his most recent single, the beautiful Formaldehyde. Starting as a quiet solo performance and building into a full-band rock-out, it was a joy to behold. A new track, Didirri announced it was "the first time I've done this one", finally saw the crowd fall quiet and the effect was mesmerising. Didirri finished with Worth The Wait and quietly left the stage as a mammoth guitar solo closed out the set.