Live Review: Fazerdaze

"I'm so nervous," a voice shyly admits to the audience from the darkness of the stage.

Three songs into Fazerdaze's set and it's the first piece of non-musical communication we've encountered. The voice is that of singer and primary songwriter Amelia Murray, a self-confessed bedroom musician who clearly finds solace in the space behind her guitar and the microphone. The comment is a poignant one and sets up a striking duality that drives the set; strong and confident musical performances punctuated by interludes of timid appreciation aimed at the crowd. It's a sentiment received as endearing by the sold-out audience, sending back their fair share of "wooos!" and "yeeaahs!" and in the process, almost giving the impression of a band rehearsing for a room full of mates. The backing band is comfortable in their duties and, to their credit, never miss a beat - but unfortunately, they fall short in really beefing up what could have been a more powerful show.

Murray's incredible talent for crafting earnest, heartfelt dream-pop is abundantly clear. Songs shift from sweet and minimal to loud and grungy, but ultimately all retain the unique Fazerdaze brand, giving the set a real sense of cohesion. The music's appeal is conducive to an engaged (albeit, quieter) listener, creating a more subdued and relaxed air with band and audience members alike casually nodding or swaying hips, save for a couple pockets of headbanging, pint-toting enthusiasts. 

The band are here promoting the release of their debut album, Morningside. Released this year by influential New Zealand mainstay Flying Nun Records, it's gained critical acclaim both at home and internationally, even garnering the approval of one Iggy Pop. The release has helped solidify Murray as one of the country's great up-and-coming songwriters and one to keep a keen eye on. But the delivery of her songs, honest and intimate though they might be, do have some way to go in really leaving the audience wowed in the way that they could be. As she confesses, "I wrote and recorded these songs in my bedroom," and now to be playing them to a sold-out audience in Melbourne is somewhat daunting. And perhaps this side-effect of a more solitary recording process is what makes the transition to the live performance more uneasy. Finishing up just before midnight, the band announce their final two songs before firing through them as quickly and purposefully as the preceding ones. A great first night for what will no doubt be a great Australian tour.