Live Review: Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics

For the third week of Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics' Sunday residency down at Clancy's, there was plenty of soul to sooth the aching souls of the Fremantle locals after a smashing derby defeat. While a small child got the dance floor started early (during the sound check, even) and setting the scene for the night, the band launched straight into a powerhouse set to send off the weekend with a bang.

Within just half a song, most of the room had jumped up to join the little dancer, including a classic Freo local in his double-denim and ugg boot combination. Backed by a fancy black-suited band of talent, leading lady Mercy absolutely brought the house down with her vocal mastery — of course making it look as easy as your grandmother's apple pie. The band slid between songs with ease, moving between strong belting numbers and slow romantic dancey tunes like the ever sweet Call On Me, which had more than one beloved couple taking up the chance to squeeze in a slow dance.

Picking it up again with Booby Trap, the band continued their reign of old school funk for the rest of the night, pausing only once to take it down a notch with another slow number, When You Say My Name, showcasing their versatility and sheer musical genius. The crowd got involved too, as Mercy facilitated a three-round dance-off between two audience members, ending in a draw and her having to shout both of them soft drinks (with a clear winner, a beer would have been bought) at the halfway break.

With the crowd getting rowdier and more people joining the dance floor after the break as families were replaced by late teens, Mercy continued her smashing vocal prowess for a second set. These guys just know how to work it, and everyone in the relatively near vicinity lapped up every guitar, bass and trumpet lick on offer.

Each band member took up a solo at every chance they had, and of particular note was saxophonist Alistair McEvoy — he absolutely smashed it. With just two weeks left of the band's residency at Clancy's, make sure to get yourself down for a beer and support some world-class local, original artists — you won't regret it.