Amos Lee Review

AMOS LEE

THE BASEMENT
SYDNEY AUSTRALIA


I flew interstate to see Amos Lee perform in the intimate surrounds of the Basement club in Sydney.


For a mid week gig, the venue was suitably packed with fans eager to witness what the rest of the world will surely catch on to. Perhaps the Australian audience is finally catching on to what the rest of the world already knows. Either way tonight is an opportunity to witness a singer songwriter on the cusp of breaking through.


Amos hit the stage without fan fare, he’s unassuming in his pork pie hat and spectacles that he continually retrieves from the end of his nose.


As a fan I was instantly rewarded as Amos Lee and his band open with two of my favourite tracks, Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight and Freedom. I stood twenty feet from the stage as Amos delivered songs from his two albums, the first self titled, the latest ‘Supply and Demand’


Amos Lee presents his songs effortlessly, although he does admit to struggling in his bid to hit some high notes in songs that he recorded two and three years ago. Three years of constant touring will mature any voice!


Tonight, it’s as a three piece that the songs are truly given justice. Its bare bones, no elaborate staging, lighting or gimmicks, just passionate storytelling through songs that hit their mark with the audience that seem well acquainted with every word of every song.


Amos paused briefly through tonight’s set to acknowledge the support from his Australian fans, thank the support act, deliver some friendly banter and introduce his touring band.


I got the sense that Amos Lee is a career singer songwriter in a world of two-minute TV karaoke hacks. It’s nice to know that people can see straight through the drivel and appreciate the cream that’s rising to the top.


Amos wrapped up the band’s set to thunderous applause. He left the stage and returned not thirty seconds later to feed the hungry crowd with an encore.


Tonight’s set at the Basement was exactly as I had hoped it would be. A true talent, Amos Lee is a career musician relying on nothing more than his gifts for singing and song writing. Spread the word!