Reveiw: Texture Like Sun and Patrick James, FBi Social, Sydney

November 13, 2012 at 09:59 (Gigs, Reviews)
Tags: folk music, patrick james, texture like sun

Texture Like Sun and Patrick James
9th November 2012, FBi Social
Sydney

On Friday November 9th, FBi Social hosted another show of Australian talent, featuring Melbourne six-piece Texture Like Sun and the young buck Patrick James and his band. Differing in styles and disposition, the two could have been each other’s alter ego.

Texture Like Sun opened the night with the dreamy “Weekend” off their debut self-titled EP and then moved into “Ever Wanted More” which was a despairing piece showcasing the vocals of frontman Mark Pearl. He sang with a ghostly meandering drawl that called to mind Thom Yorke and Muse frontman Matt Bellamy. Texture Like Sun songs start slowly and build to gut-wrenching crescendos where Mark Pearl was at times bordering on screamo. And it is a treat to watch. He has a voice that could fill stadiums yet all that power was tightly packed in the small space of FBi Social engaging the modest audience in a deeply gripping way.

Texture Like Sun continued with EP tracks “One Great Prize” and “That Evening” – a song of lost and revisited love where Mark Pearl sings “Love is blind but I could always see this coming”. The band continued into an unrecorded song, “World” a lament to living, followed by a cover of Gorillaz’ “Feel Good Inc.” which the band effectively transposed into their own sound. Scotty Smith joined the band on stage to close with their first single “Bottle”, bringing in the banjo and helping the band bring it home.

Texture Like Sun had their EP available for sale, as frontman Mark Pearl reminded the audience of frequently and unashamedly in between songs. It is also available from the iTunes store and is worth the purchase. Well suited for restful weekends, grey days, long car rides.

Patrick James

While Texture Like Sun had the people on their feet and in an entranced, reflective daze, with Mark Pearl’s scruffy voice that sounds as though he’s permanently waking up from a deep sleep, Patrick James brought people to the floor, cross legged and huddled with friends, cosying into the old granny chairs and throw cushions that give FBi Social that garage hang out feel. While Texture Like Sun brought an intensity and severity to the room, Patrick James lit it up with youth, hope and longing, singing melodic tunes harmonized by Scotty and Kurt Smith. The band transitioned quickly into each song, playing “Bugs” and “Stay” without too much chitchat, explaining they had slept for only an hour or two in a car outside the airport the night before. They offered up a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young inspired piece, “Something in the Way We Are” which brought their poppy nu-folk verses together with a soulful chorus that had a taste of the folk rock super group that was their inspiration.

Patrick James played tribute to one of his favourite bands, Ball Park Music, covering the positive and poppy “It’s Nice to Be Alive”, and closed with their new single, “Brighter Lights”, where the keys take the spotlight, next to Patrick James vocals and band harmonies. “Brighter Lights” builds fantastically and piano keys trickle it out. Patrick James was a spoonful that went down easy, while Texture Like Sun hit you like a shot of whiskey. They made for a well balanced evening and an interesting dynamic.

Patrick James has a number of videos on YouTube and watching the video for “Bridges” where he’s joined by Scotty Smith and a cup of tea in a plain bedroom provides a stark contrast of immense talent and low production value. This is leveled out in his video for “Carry On” where talent and production value are more so on par. Patrick James has been compared to indie folk icon Bon Iver. His melodic style and lyrical content also call to mind Irish folk musician Fionn Regan and Vancouver based indie-rock band, Said the Whale. Patrick James EP is due to release in March of 2013.

FBi Social

FBi Social, located on the second floor of Kings Cross Hotel is a nice little venue to showcase great up and coming Australian acts, but pretty soon bands like Texture Like Sun and Patrick James may be needing bigger venues. Hats off to Texture Like Sun, Patrick James, Scotty, Kurt and Lincoln Smith, and FBi Social for a terrific evening.

This review was also published over at The Verb Unheard.