Honestly, Ben Kweller is a great performer. Honestly. That is the key word. For Mr Kweller won't wow you with pyrotechnics or complex lyrics or breathtaking melodies. But he writes very solid rock/pop tunes which he performs with consummate ease and earnest passion. Last night at the Gaelic Club was just a fun night in the company of someone with the sole aim of entertaining you. And entertain he did. Jamming a lot of songs into a fast paced hour, he covered material from all 3 of his albums. Ably backed by a bass player and drummer, Ben switched effortlessly from electric to acoustic guitar to piano. The songs played on piano were definitely a highlight, especially a beautiful rendition of "Thirteen", which just followed the stunning "On My Way". I think I really enjoyed the slower paced numbers which were allowed to breathe, although songs like "Hospital Bed" and "The Rules" were great fun too. Just a fun night out, in the hands of a charismatic and enthusiastic performer.

Playing in support were The Holidays, who I missed, and Pork Pies, who I caught. Pork Pies is a solo acoustic project of Jai Pyne, singer of the The Paper Scissors. Despite only playing a short set, Jai demonstrated once again that he is without peer as a singer in Sydney. Apparently he is releasing an EP in 2008, which should be something to look forward to judging by the excellent quality of the songs he played last night, which also included a stunning rendition of The Paper Scissors' "Grammar". Just one other thing, his performance would have been more enjoyable if the crowd could just SHUT UP for one second. Please show some respect for the performer and those wishing to enjoy the performance. PLEASE!

Set List

How It Should Be (Sha Sha)
Run
I Need You Back
I Gotta Move
I Don't Know Why
Make It Up
Fight (new song)
??? (new song)
Family Tree
Walk On Me
On My Way
Thirteen
Falling
Hospital Bed
The Rules
Sundress
My Apartment
Red Eye

Penny On The Train Track