Live Review: James Vincent McMorrow, Moreton

Brisbane trio Moreton kick things off at Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall and it’s a fitting start to the night. We learn later that the band were handpicked as the supporting act for the tour and frontwoman Georgia Potter’s vocals prove why. Though the crowd is still bustling in throughout the set, Potter has everyone’s attention by the final song. She tells us it’s been a lifelong dream to play the Opera House and it wouldn’t surprise us if she does it again as the headlining act soon.

We don’t have to wait too long before Roy Ayers’ Everybody Loves The Sunshine blares throughout the room as James Vincent McMorrow and his band make their way onto stage to massive cheers. From the moment he sings the first note of Red Dust there are actual gasps heard in the crowd. Yes, McMorrow’s voice is literally breathtaking.

Though the show gets off to a flying start, it appears his keyboard is in all sorts by song two, resulting in McMorrow to laugh "What the fuck is happening?" The audience laps up JVM’s wit. Who knew such a brooding artist could be so damn funny? "This has never happened before and of course it does at the goddamn Sydney Opera House."

Once things are back on track, McMorrow and his band, who sing and move in complete unison, make us forget there was any hiccup at all. Tracks like I Lie Awake Every Night, Get Low and Lost Angeles all get runs, while his cover of Steve Winwood’s Higher Love gets some extra woos. Much like JVM’s pipes, the light show is something to behold as its perfectly synched with beats and harmonies. The Irish artist’s performance of Surreal, under one spotlight, literally shuts the entire room up and receives a standing ovation as he scurries backstage to gear up for the encore. He finishes with If I Had A Boat and fan favourite, Cavalier to send the crowd home happy. Not only are we happy, we are left wondering if there will be a more moving live show in 2017 than this?