Live Review: Toby

Situated near Perth’s gorgeous Scarborough Beach, the Indi Bar attracts attention from local larrikins, tepid tourists and everyone in between. How does a solo artist, therefore, stop this particular crowd dead? The short answer is: by matching their reputation. Indie-rock darling Toby, supported by her sparking band mates, knows Perth music hub’s many ins and outs. Building the anticipation, the beer-and-Bundy-swilling audience became entranced by her elaborate headwear-hairdo combo, black eyeliner and laid-back attitude.

Toby dove headlong into Stole Them Away right after introducing band members Gavin Arnold (bass), Daryl Eagle (electric guitar) and Elliot Bruse (drums). She and the band suited the grungy venue expertly, explored varying influences and motifs, and drawing the crowd into their electrifying universe. The group’s charisma and strong dynamic crafted several invigorating numbers, including an eclectic mix of hits and new tracks. Synchronising acoustic, electric and bass strums, Toby relished in her music’s glorious glow. Vibrating the modest venue, the group’s hearty and boisterous set made for a positive aura.

As the mosh pit steadily grew, Toby enlivened the audience with explosive guitar riffs and her enthusiastic presence. Toby herself is worth the price of admission and then some. Enthralling everyone from drunken larrikins to timid critics, the singer’s powerful vocals established her immense talents. Her enthusiastic stage moves and blood-sweat-and-tears approach created a flawless Saturday night vibe, particularly during tracks Last Night and Crash Landing. Changing pace and tempo throughout, Toby’s extensive five-ten renditions kept everyone engaged. The band delivered a mix of charming 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s-style renditions, defined by cool guitar riffs and sharp melodies - the blues-rock-reggae mix of tracks like Red Rooster and Can’t Afford Me were scintillating in delivery and were eventual set highlights.

Switching between various instruments, Toby’s set took us on a nostalgic and memorable journey; picking up the ukulele and performing a cover of Radiohead’s Creep, plus tracks varying from Janis Joplin to Mumford & Sons. Discussing recent events and her upcoming album, the singer’s rendition of hit So Tired rang alarmingly true. Midnight drew ever closer, and Toby laid it all out for their five to ten-minute version of hit track, Breathe. The fast-paced, all-encompassing finale saw the singer get everyone up onto the dance floor. Ending her Indi experience with Good, Old Days, Toby’s folk-blues aura quickly sank into the bar’s infrastructure.