Live Review: Winter People, Founds, Jordan Leser

For the launch of their new album, A Year At Sea, Winter People utilised the intimate setting of the Factory Theatre to seduce the hordes on a night that was suspiciously winter-like for a spring evening.

Setting the mood was the beautiful Byron Bay-ian Jordan Leser. Taking the stage solo with nothing but a keyboard, stool and microphone, Leser (“with an 'er,'” she insisted) won over the hearts of the few who managed to venture out early with her nostalgic ballads littered with innocent lyrics and sweet vocals. The songs were deep, masterfully crafted and conjured thoughts of family vacation memories and grandmother visits, with one song even written for her grandma.

Up next was the hypnotic Brisbane sextet Founds with their upbeat, intense tunes with a sound that was very hard to classify. They have a soul feel, but with pop/classical elements, and lyrics that reflect 1500s cross-country trips where horses are pulling carts and women are churning butter, you know? The ebb and flow of the whole set drew the crowd into an electric, hypnotised state where Founds could have their way with you, musically. Their strong harmonies and intricate lyrical phrasing stole the show.

As the fresh-faced and obviously pumped up members of Winter People took the stage, the crowd grew exponentially until the whole theatre filled. This was their night to finally show off A Year At Sea. Their heartfelt swells of olden-day folk and modern rock sent the audience into a daze of recollection and nostalgia with many holding their significant other in a reminiscent grasp. Winter People played an hour-and-a-half set with favourites such as Gallons and Valley Hymn, but it was their new material – including enigmatic Top Of The World and Wishingbone – that took the cake. The night created a perfect ramp for the album, but the only question is – where will they land?