Live Review: The Wilson Pickers, Katie Brianna

Few could have predicted tonight's events.

It began with relative innocuousness. Katie Brianna opened proceedings with a collection of exceptionally well-crafted and immaculately delivered country numbers. Predictably, tonight's crowd couldn't fully appreciate Brianna's work. The endless drinking, murmuring and socialising inside the venue unfortunately washed over the subtlety of beautifully written songs like Thorn In Your Side, Lose Yourself Again and Chemical Lies. But, Brianna is a game performer with a warm, funny stage presence and delivered a great set under trying circumstances.

Again, innocuous enough:

Outside from the fact that their arrival on stage was preceded by a potent blast of dancehall reggae, The Wilson Pickers' set also began with a similarly predictable air. It began fantastically, of course - a cappella five-part vocal harmonies leading into a wonderfully raucous reading of debut album standout track, How Long?  - but there was nothing overtly unusual about it. As the set progressed, however, there was an enchanting ambience around the venue. If you looked into the crowd, you'd see a very specific smile on a wide variety of faces. A knowing, celebratory look. Usually, accompanied by gentle (but enthusiastic) nodding along to the rhythm of the band's songs.

From the outset, you could feel the magic of the band's performance; electrifying and joyous (albeit unarticulated). However, it wasn't until the band announced they would be playing two sets - guaranteeing performances through to midnight - that it became truly clear that tonight was going to be something genuinely unusual. And, really, it only got weirder from there. The songs and performances were outstanding, of course. Taken in their entirety, The Wilson Pickers constitute one of the most talented ensembles in Australian music - great songwriters and great technicians with great chemistry. But, there was something else going on tonight.

At one point, two women (and apparent strangers) took to the stage area to dance together and close out the set (fittingly, to the band's We Can Dance). The intermission saw a burlesque performer deliver an incredible routine, culminating in a techno rework of New Order's Blue Monday. The band's second set was even looser, funnier, stranger and more raw.

All in all, a very strange night.

You could have predicted a great night from the line-up. You couldn't have predicted such magic.