Live Review: Dan Parsons, Rainee Lyleson

It was pulp fiction night at The Soda Factory, and the excellent soundtrack was turned off as dozens of Vince Vegas and Mia Wallaces finished their Royales with cheese and $5 shakes. Rainee Lyleson pulled out an array of what she called eclectic folk instruments picked up through her travels and proceeded to gently exude soft folk ballads.

Unfortunately Lyleson's show was hampered by a string of technical issues, and for the most part the crowd didn't take all that much interest. When her gear was working, those who were listening got treated to a delicate acoustic blues and roots performance that drew similarities with Melbourne's Domini Forster.

Dan Parsons also had trouble contending with the noise of the crowd. Perhaps a more Tarantino-sounding surf rock band might've won the Soda Factory over, but Parson's brand of storytelling blues folk was certainly a treat considering entry was free.

There is something nostalgic about Parson's music. He writes thoughtful ballads, storytelling through songwriting, that you don't hear all that much even on alternative radio anymore. Influences like Bob Dylan and Don McLean are obvious. Parsons could also be compared to Lior or Xavier Rudd, nowhere near as beachy as the latter though, and his vocals, while solid, aren't as silky smooth as Lior's.

South Coast locals may enjoy Shoalhaven Night, written in the Illawarra during a road trip, the track is a nice inspirational builder. Other songs, such as Oh Baby, When You Say It Like That and Out In The Atmosphere, off his new self-titled album, were enjoyable, but nothing groundbreaking; thoughtful lyrics and an acoustic guitar are nice, but have been done for quite a while now. Standing solo with his guitar made it hard to produce a sound people would take notice of; perhaps a band behind him and a different atmosphere could improve things.

Parsons was technically superb; perfect vocals for storytelling and smooth acoustic guitar made for a nice night of thoughtful folk.