On the success and
extension of the “C U Next Tuesday Basics Good-Time Residency” at the Northcote
Social Club, The Basics brought things north of the border for one night only
at the Oxford Art Factory. Along for the ride was Richie Cuthbert of Cuthbert and
The Night Walkers fame, playing his solo material, and fellow Sydneysider
Fergus Brown.

Opening proceedings was Richie
Cuthbert, armed only with his voice and either an acoustic guitar or a
keyboard, who provided the perfect score for the dropping temperature on street
level. The combination of Cuthbert’s warm vocals and the heating of the
venue made for a very comfortable environment. 

Despite this, the
room remained fairly empty during his set, but the few that did turn up early
were treated to some lovely songs from the singer/songwriter between their
casual conversations and visits to the bar. The songs showed that Cuthbert is a
man always penning down tunes, whether it be for his solo work or for songs with
The Night Walkers. A particular highlight was when he put down the guitar and
hopped behind a keyboard. The song showed even more soul than the guitar could, and was almost acapella in nature due to the stripped back instrumentation. The set was
also a gentle reminder to make sure I go and see Richie Cuthbert next time he performs with The Night Walkers.

The room started to buzz with conversation as it began to fill (and deservedly so) for
the hard working Fergus Brown. Flanked
by his band, Fergus Brown further impressed on my second time witnessing his lovely
pop songs. ‘Last Winter’ was a pivotal song in the set with Fergus Brown being
left to perform the number on his own. The band then returned to the
stage, commencing the transition into ‘Nerds in Love’ - completing a one two punch! His lyrics are well written and your imagination can’t help
but conjure up vivid images of a hesitant nerdy couple playing magic cards
together. The musicians around Fergus Brown seemed to also create a different
feel, with a few of the songs taking on more of an enjoyable country vibe.

While The Basics were seeing us on a Thursday, that didn’t stop them from bringing us a good time. Opening the set was ‘ The No. 1 Cause of Death Amongst Youth Today’. Funnily enough, bass player Kris Schroeder had forgotten to turn his bass on until about the third line of the song when guitarist Tim Heath made an attempt to turn it on. With the false start out of the way the band restarted with just as much energy.

Sitting behind the kit was Wally De Backer, who some may better recognize under the guise of Gotye. He alternated vocal duties  with Schroeder,  adding an extra dimension in harmony. The band features all the musicians on vocals at various stages, allowing for further great vocal harmonies to take place as well as call and response sections. Before long, the faster paced numbers dwindled and a great song in ‘The Executioner’ was played. A slower number with a wailing guitar line that reminds me of someone’s harrowing screams before death.

Unfortunately The Basics won't be back to Sydney next Thursday for a residency, but I highly recommend any Melbournians who haven’t ducked out to the residency to wander down. 

Header Photo by Gaelle Beri - http://www.myspace.com/the3basics