Lauren Thomson & Tami Neilson

Live review - Graham Reid

"I seriously doubt you'll find more talented women sharing a stage anywhere in this country than these singer-songwriters: not only do they individually have terrific and memorable songs (many of them), but they play the heartfelt ones from places deep inside and their kick-arse ones with undiluted energy.

"Their humour is unaffected and infectious (a fluffed intro, a compliment that comes out wrong and so on are laughed off) and I have rarely been to a gig where there is such a sense of joy, and sheer delight in playing music for an audience. Not for these women some shoe gazing or "shucks you guys". They play their songs for themselves but reach out to their audience.

"I guess that comes from having separately played gigs across the States and in Canada, and knowing that you have to try harder once you get under the lights.

"But never once did these women look like they were trying: they just let the songs come out, sang harmonies with each other, swapped around their instruments and delivered great original songs (and a couple of stomping covers), some of which sound to me like contemporary alt. country classics.

"I'm not going to single any one of them out, or indeed any song. My advice is just go and see them, get a beer and prepare to be amused, engaged, made to think and laugh. Take cash too because I'd bet you'll want to buy their albums on the door on your way out."

Free with dinner!
Or $10 at the door.

To make reservations for dinner call 09 815 0913 (limited capacity).

Event listed by Lauren Thomson

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