Following the release of his debut album Telluric, Matt Corby was in mesmerising form with his sumptuous croons and neo-soul vibe. Cool and casual in black, sporting his signature beard and scruffy shoulder length hair, he was met loud cheers from the crowd as he made his way out. While his stage presence came across as laid-back and shy, it was his voice and melodies that forged the connection with the audience.
Bathed in a soft orange haze, he began the night with Belly Side Up, treating the crowd to a showcase of his incredible vocal range, moving seamlessly from low to high, soft to loud. The simple yet funky bass and his quiet melodic voice created an atmospheric bubble, with the audience immersed in musical story-telling.
Crowd favourites, Resolution and Brother, got everyone moving, both spectacular in the way they erupt from soft percussive, ethereal melodies into a dramatic big band sound. But it was the performance of his new songs that really showcased Corby’s fresh take on the soul and R&B genres. We were treated to an array of funky bass lines, bold bluesy guitar riffs, scat singing and jazzy beats.
His first single from the album, Monday, saw the band exit the stage. With the help of his loop pedal, he used purely his voice and the click of his fingers to create a beautiful melody of layered vocals completely enthralling the crowd. More upbeat was Sooth Lady Wine, smooth and buttery with a hint of psychedelic rock. The rolling bass line and flute solo by Corby made it feel like a lazy summers day.
This album being his first release of new music in two years, it’s safe to say he didn’t disappoint. Corby’s raw yet delicate vocals worked seamlessly with the band throughout the entire performance.
(This review written on behalf of David Spencer by Georgia Hing)