Vance Joy at Scala

Vance Joy is a handsome man from Australia, with a band of nice, young guys alongside him. His music is somewhere between folk and country, with a lot of pop pasting everything. He played yesterday at Scala in front of a flirting and engaging audience who came across to listen to their beloved. Considering the dimension of Scala and with only a single EP released by Vance, it is actually a miracle that the venue was so crowded.

It remains a mystery as to how this artist managed to become so popular with only one EP God Loves You When You’re Dancing and one music video for Riptide – especially because his music is not original or amazing at all. One hour of bland folk pop music in the shade of James Blunt, Jack Johnson and some elements and features from Dave Matthews Band but without any kind of acumen or brightness. Luckily for him, his audience doesn’t seem to think the same, as they were in absolute adoration.

Starting with Emmylou, followed by From Afar (probably the best song), Red Eye and Wasted Time, Vance showed off confidence onstage, thanks to his band, who were good partners for the live set. With a drummer, a bass player and a keyboardist, Vance could dare a little bit more, maybe trying to explore more territories of the musical spectrum. The gig continued with a solo ukulele song Snaggletooth, followed by Play with Fire and the finale Riptide. This music sounds like background music, or advertising tracks, more than a real band or a real songwriter: if Vance wants to breakthrough long-term in the music business, he should try to improve his characteristics in order to create a more personal sound.

The opening act Rhode were definitely more interesting than the main singer, thanks to a deep voice, better songs and a more convincing allure. Rhodes have only one EP released to date, entitled Raise Your Love, with four pop songs à la Bright Eyes. For sure this young boy needs to improve his skills, but this premise is promising. Vance Joy should work more on his skills and his songs. To date, there is something about this Australian guy that doesn’t win. Back to school Vance!

Lorenzo Cibrario
Photos: Adam Bennett

For further information and future events visit Vance Joy’s website here.

Watch the video for Riptide here: