GIG REVIEW – THE FALLS: 28 March at The Enmore, Newtown

Folk duo The Falls took to the Enmore stage supporting The Lumineers fresh from a US tour, which included a stop at music Mecca SXSW (South by Southwest). “The last weeks feel like a dream,” said singer Melinda Kirwin. “This [Enmore show] makes it feel more like a dream.”

But from the first notes of Please, the opening track off their debut EP Hollywood, it became clear that Kirwin and musical partner Simon Rudston-Brown had earned their right to take this prime stage. With soaring voices that skilfully intertwined to the acoustic backdrop of Rudston-Brown’s Maton guitar, their melodic performance revealed a pared-back honesty that is central to their appeal.

Rudston-Brown’s commanding singing evoked Neil Finn, especially the way he weaved from major to minor vocal lines effortlessly, but it was Kirwin’s performance of the song Hollywood that really stood out, as her usually delicate voice grew huskier and in turn more emotive. An endearing folk performance. (KM)

BY KATIE MAYORS