The venue was The Harp Irish Pub at Tempe, Sydney. A refurbished pub just on
the outskirts of Sydney city. the pub had lots of character, with old wares
gracing the walls and photos of Ireland and Irish paraphernalia around the
place.
By Tim Nicholls
| Start: 8.25pm | Finish 11.30pm | 15 min intermission | ~60 people |
The venue was The Harp Irish Pub at Tempe, Sydney. A refurbished pub just on
the outskirts of Sydney city. the pub had lots of character, with old wares
gracing the walls and photos of Ireland and Irish paraphernalia around the
place.
The Millers tale were already on when we arrived. They are a duo, comprising a guy and a girl and it was an acoustic affair for them, with a smattering of harmonica. They didn't grab my attention to much, honestly, but they looked passionate about what they were doing. More info can be gleaned from their website.
Neil came on at 8.25pm and immediately got into Can't Win. What followed was, Broken Song, Sometimes I Feel, Spirit, Late This Night, Horse & Rider, Cooling Winds, Poem - (Misery Guts) (Puck All) (After Any Man) (Walgett Girl) (Thinking of Quitting in Wagga) (The Fan) (Shannon) (Contact) (Activities for Young & Old).
He then played a new song called Over The Moon. Its a love song with a uplifting riff. Its not intricate, just chords. Its sort of like Salty Ground in parts but the riff strengthens in the chorus.
15 minute intermission.
Good Light In Broome, Native Born, Empty House, (Great Redeeming Actions) These Hands, (Moving) (Toyota Dreaming) (We'll Take The Valiant), Bulukbarra Man, Anywhere Tonight, Calm & Crystal Clear, He Was Born, In My Heart.
It was a good show, with good sound and average viewing, as their were posts blocking people's view. There was little emotion shown from the crowd (except one guy, who jumped around when Calm & Crystal Clear came on). The atmosphere was subdued, which seems to be the case with Neil's shows still. The crowd always seems intent on admiring and listening to the feel of the music and lyric, with great respect for the artist and the work itself. They just don't seem to be having much fun.