Show And Tell Tex Perkins And The Dark Horses, The Annandale Hotel
Sun Herald
Sunday August 31, 2003
IN a real display of rock'n'roll commitment, the Annandale was heaving with tousled haircuts and faded jeans on Wednesday night as punters clambered to catch a glimpse of a stripped-back Tex Perkins and his Dark Horses.
Straddling his microphone stand for most of the night, a sedentary Perkins played many of the ballads from his latest album Sweet Nothing, including the standout single, Lucid.
Allowing the feathered drums and acoustic guitars to wash over his rumbled vocals, there was little trace of the Beasts of Bourbon frontman. In his place was a more subdued Perkins, revealing his vulnerable side with a selection of moody instrumentals and unplugged musings. Although the unkempt tresses and facial hair remain, Perkins has muted his trademark snarls and matured into quite a self-reflective rocker. He sings tributes to nature and celebrates what appears to be a strong inner calm. But he provided the fans with a glimpse of the early days, stretching to his feet for a few rockier numbers.
His Dark Horses provided competent support.
The band was a cohesive unit, sliding from mellow backing to guitar solos and back-up vocals.
The crowd seemed content with their transformed Tex, enjoying the softened swagger and well-crafted tunes.
Mel Flanagan, 34, Darlinghurst. It was fantastic. His voice is the ultimate instrument. It's different, but in a good way.
Emma Hoy, 24, Newtown. Tex is great, but I could rave on about the whole band. It's nice not to have your eardrums bleeding.
Reuben Dubois, 30, Clovelly. It's good for insomniacs. I love the melancholy, but it would be good to hear more variation.
© 2003 Sun Herald
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