Live Review: Robert Forster

Twerps set the scene for the evening, with their relaxed guitar riffs elegantly displayed in the 2015 release I Don't Mind, a delightful song which builds to an intensely heightened crescendo. The track Back To You exemplified their diverse musical range, proving pop's place in their set as well as showcasing drummer Alex Macfarlane's multitasking skills as he seamlessly incorporated the maracas alongside his existing stage duties. Who Are You from their self-titled debut EP accentuated lead vocalist Martin Frawley's bluesy drawl which has become synonymous with the band.

Timeless Australian singer-songwriter Robert Forster of iconic '80s band The Go-Betweens returned to the spotlight to promote his latest 2015 release Songs To Play. His performance was comprised of a wide-ranging setlist spanning across his illustrious career, incorporating a generous amount of tracks from his solo work right back to The Go-Betweens years. His distinct voice immediately captured the heart of the audience with opener Learn To Burn, and the track Let Me Imagine You was also well received. The gig was supplemented with his onstage anecdotes including a homage to Creedence Clearwater Revival, to the confident announcement that this his song A Poet Walks contained "the riff of the year". This statement proved true, with the strong and soulful lyrics echoed by the haunting violin and keys. After a brief interlude, Forster and his band soon returned for an encore. A sultry rendition of Danger In The Past was followed by Twerps resuming their place on stage as Forster and Frawley performed a duo of Twerps' He's In Stock. Another encore was demanded by the crowd, and Forster returned for the final time to play the singalong classic Surfing Magazines. Overall, the gig reflected the sway that Forster has upon both his new and enduring fans, as Forster continues to remain a quintessential and influential figure in the Australian music scene.