Live Review: Summer Flake, The High Beamers, Sarah Mary Chadwick, Sweet Whirl

Cold winter nights in Adelaide often prove to be the enemy of live music.

Maybe it was the vague hint of summer that drew in the crowds, or perhaps it was the cheap beer, but upon walking into the venue, it was a big relief to see it packed and buzzing. The bands hadn’t even set up yet. Of course, you should expect nothing less for a headliner so deeply entwined in the history of local SA music.

Opening the night were two solo acts, the Melbourne-based Sweet Whirl and Sarah Mary Chadwick (singer of defunct Adelaide legends Batrider). Both acts set the tone of the night with their honest and upfront songwriting. Whilst, at times, Chadwick’s songs seemed to blend together among the subtle but monotonous organ, her voice cut through with a warmth that demanded the audience’s attention.

Indeed, stunning vocals seemed to be a recurring feature of the whole line-up and local three-piece The High Beamers reinforced this with their stripped down set. Whilst usually performing with amplified guitars, the band opted for acoustic instruments instead which only served to greater showcase their impressive vocals. The slow, deliberate drawl of Rabbit Hole captivated the entire audience with its evocative harmonies.

Returning to her old hometown, Melbourne-based Summer Flake played a mesmerising set in support of her latest album, Hello Friends. Having been a member of an incredible number of Adelaide bands (including Batrider), Stephanie Crase was definitely no stranger to The Metro band room. Immediately, songs from the album stood out live, a result of the great, considered songwriting that made the album so memorable.

Son Of A Gun started with soft, jangly guitars and Crase’s fragile vocals, eventually building into a breathtaking fuzzed out climax. Her knack for writing complex guitar parts that never overwhelm the song was most evident on So Long. It was hard to tell what was more impressive; the effortlessness with which she moved around the guitar or the fact that she managed to create an ear worm of a vocal melody on top of all this.

Closing with an extended version of Shoot & Score, the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves. Maybe even a bit too much, with the stage smoke effects being supplied solely by the vape crew at the front. We get it. You vape. It was hard to really care, though, given that for one night, Summer Flake was back home again and we couldn’t have been prouder.