Matt Corby at the Forum

Matt Corby brought sunshine and warmth to the Forum, Kentish Town on an otherwise damp and dreary January night. The singer-songwriter radiated his down-to-earth, approachable demeanour, and it was of course his music and more specifically his voice that did most of the talking. Drawing in an eclectic crowd of both seasoned fans and those recently acquainted with him, it wasn’t hard to see why his show was completely sold out.

Oozing a calm confidence, Corby impressed with his effortlessly powerful vocals and an almost spellbindingly mellow vibe washed over the room. His incredible range was perhaps best displayed with crowd-pleasers Brother and Resolution. Newer material from 2018’s Rainbow Valley was effectively intertwined with older tracks in a set list that catered for all. The album’s title track as well as All Fired Up were standouts but it was Miracle Love that showcased the artist’s ability to transition his voice from vulnerable to confidently controlled within the same song. Like his lyrics, Corby’s vocals are deeply layered, which only emphasises the trance-like engagement that comes over the crowd.

Those who know of the singer and his background (he was a runner-up on Australian Idol way back when) are aware of his aversion to fame and the falseness it attracts and this is echoed in his stripped-back performance. There were no props or special effects here because they simply weren’t needed. Rather, we were offered what we came for – the voice, and the single spotlight bathing over the singer only invited a sense of intimacy and allowed a relationship between him and the crowd to be firmly established and enjoyed.

With stellar support from his band, this was an impassioned, self-assured and captivating concert, firmly reminding us of Corby’s talents, which if anything are only continuing to grow and flourish. For those who enjoy thought-provoking, jazz-infused folk and who appreciate genuine musical talent, Corby is a class act who has something to say, and boy does he say it well.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Miguel de Melo

For further information and future events visit Matt Corby’s website here.

Watch the video for All Fired Up here: