Live Review: Benny Walker

The low-key Clancy's Fish Pub in Fremantle was the perfect setting for the first WA performances by Victorian roots artist Benny Walker and his new band. Despite the lure of the long-weekend celebrations, the venue was filled with punters eager to hear songs from the new album, Sinners And Saints. Local roots/rock four-piece Tom Fisher & The Layabouts got the audience worked up with foot-stomping, singalong rockers Old Man Of The Blues and Half A Man. Throughout the set the boys impressed the crowd with their powerful dynamics and strong, tight harmonies.

“Benny might remember this song” quipped Fisher as they launched into Carl Corn, getting the audience to chant along to the not too subtle chorus “All my friends are smoking weed.” They finished their strong set with a jam-laden version of Should I, Could I? that was complete with impressive solos from each member.

Shortly after the guys left the stage, Benny Walker and his band arrived to a great response from the audience. Armed with only a harp rack and sunburst acoustic guitar, Walker kicked up a storm with his band on the rollicking Ticket For A Train. On All I Have, Yvette Maker wowed the audience with her graceful, shimmering pedal steel work. Likewise, We Have To Push On Through was transformed into a balls-to-the-wall rocker thanks to some solid, fiery work by drummer Cat Leahy.

After the band finished Summer Sun, an audience member shouted out for an encore. Walker and the band appeared generally surprised, coaxed back into the spotlight to pick up their instruments and deliver one more song to finish off the night. He jokingly told the crowd “Please don't ask us for anymore after this because we don't know anymore.” The guys then burned through an inspired cover of Robert Johnsons blues classic, Cross Road Blues, complete with duelling guitar solos from Walker and Maker. The night showed why Walker is such an important talent as a singer-songwriter, destined for great things if he keeps putting on shows like these.