Camp Cope ProfileGeorgia Maq timidly wanders onstage and acknowledges the indigenous custodians of the land, before picking up her guitar and performing a solo rendition of Song For Charlie. Immediately, we are drawn into her world; with every word delivered with such poignancy, it was hard not to shed a tear.
Being known for their downbeat guitar songs and emotionally raw lyrics, Camp Cope stuck to their guns this evening and didn't fall into the cliché of doing something special just because they're playing at the Sydney Opera House. They stood there, humble but unapologetic for who they are, and performed a flawless set of fucking excellent guitar songs. And while the three-piece never really looked at the audience, but rather at each other in nervous solidarity, every single member of the audience was engaged and captivated.
Flesh & Electricity was vulnerable, Jet Fuel Can't Melt Steel Beams expressed resigned anger and truth, while Keep Growing saw Maq lay out her deepest fears; but what remained a common denominator is the excellent lyricism that weaves each song together.
The crowd were rather participatory this evening, some even pleading with one super fan who looked like he was going to get on stage. Instead he tried to talk to Maq, who let him down gently with "I don't like when people try to talk to me, just enjoy the show".
The first few familiar notes of Done resonated around the venue, and a wave of excitement came over us, as we were momentarily transported back to the first moment we fell in love with Camp Cope — and we couldn't help but sing along.
Lost: Season One was a cathartic way to end their set — which earned them a well-deserved standing ovation — and they left us feeling a little bit lighter, introspective and comfortable in our own vulnerabilities.
