Live Review: Unwind Feat. Morgan Bain, Riley Pearce, Helen Shanahan, Tashi, Mossy Fogg

Aptly named for a Thursday night at Mojo’s, Unwind’s premiere event to raise awareness for mental health through the power of live music was a smashing success. Local acts donated their time to the cause, with funds from all merchandise and raffle tickets sold going to support sponsor organisation beyondblue.

Kicking off the night strong with a beard to be reckoned with, Mossy Fogg played an intimate, rootsy acoustic set. His vocal style jumped around from song to song showcasing a versatile style, particularly strong when hitting those creamy bass notes. Playing to a slowly swelling crowd, up next was indie-popster Tashi. Performing solo acoustic versions of tracks from her groovy debut EP and finishing with a cover of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi, she had everyone singing along and cheering by the end.

Helen Shanahan’s “Shanaband”, composed entirely of WAAPA expats and lecturers, provided the crowd with the only full band of the night and certainly lived up to the prestigious name they’ve set for themselves. Endlessly sweet, Shanahan commanded the stage with ferocity as the band launched their new EP, Finding Gold. Coincidentally, this track fitted in perfectly with the theme of the night, providing a tune about finding those little moments of calm within the chaotic lives we all lead.

Bringing the vibe down a notch and back to the acoustic theme of the night with a more intimate feel was Riley Pearce. Playing a fairly safe but warm and heartfelt set, his cover of Gregory Alan Isakov’s If I Go, I’m Goin’ rivalled the original and I’m looking forward to hearing his EP out later this year.

Finishing off the night with glaring intensity was none other than Morgan Bain, and what a wrap-up it was. With such control and focus in his voice, and playing a more alt-rock-inspired set, he kept the audience quiet and attentive for the remainder of the night. Let’s hope that Unwind can keep these events happening to raise awareness for mental health. So keep your eyes peeled for the next one; you’re in for a treat if they keep up with this calibre of acts.