M. Ward & The Undertakers, Folk Bitch Trio @ The Gov, Adelaide 5/12/2023
M. Ward & The Undertakers returned to Australian shores following a successful run of shows in early 2023. This time, Tarntanya/ Adelaide was fortunate enough to be included. Even if it was on a Tuesday night.
With an opening set by Naarm/ Melbourne band Folk Bitch Trio, the night was off to a sizzling start. From their first song, an acapella rendition of I’ll Find a Way to Carry It All, we were hooked.
Folk Bitch Trio are Jeanie Pilkington, Gracie Sinclair, and Heide Peverelle. Touted as being a band “born out of a mutual love for songwriting, rocking and the truth,” their music was captivating. We were treated to an eight-song set that included Moth Song, Flying Bird, Analogue, and a cover of Shivers. Their vulnerable lyrics were only surpassed by thoughtful arrangements of three-part harmonies dripping in sensitivity and etherealness. Hearing them perform in Tarntanya for the first time was gratifying.
In 2003, Ward released his critically acclaimed album Transfiguration of Vincent. A blues-inspired Americana, indie-folk record created to assist with processing the passing of his friend Vincent O’Brien. This tour followed the twentieth-anniversary celebrations that began in February.
Opening with Outta My Head, Ward cycled through Fool Says, Supernatural Thing and a stunning execution of Sad Sad Song before any form of banter was had. Even then, it was minimal.
Primitive Girl, I Get Ideas, and Helicopter had us wondering why this was a half-seated gig at The Gov of all venues. Yes, it was a school night, and the audience was of a certain (Gen X) age, but the set list was a bop and danceable.
A sultry solo of Let’s Dance from Transfiguration of Vincent was a crowd favourite. For Beginners followed with the assistance of possibly the youngest audience member on the egg shaker.
The Undertakers guitarist then re-joined Ward on stage for the one-two punch that was One Life Away and Duet for Guitars. It was phenomenal. The remaining Undertakers returned to the stage for the remainder of the performance.
We heard Poison Cup, Undertaker, A Voice at the End of the Line, and one of many show highlights Poor Boy, Minor Key. Iconic songs Vincent O’Brien and Chinese Translation, with backing vocals from Folk Bitch Trio, concluded a spectacular main set.
A three-song encore that included Rollercoaster and Too Young to Die, also with Folk Bitch Trio (who were magnificent!), wrapped up the night.
On Tuesday night, M. Ward and The Undertakers imparted upon the City of Churches a magical musical experience. It was a journey into the world of a prolific singer-songwriter who has conveyed his talent across numerous iterations over decades. Let’s hope it’s not another twenty-four years until we experience it again.
Live Review By Anita Kertes