The anticipation levels were already high when we heard Matt Corby was going to be in town and boy, he did not disappoint.
We're going to call it - if there’s one musician you should see perform live, it’s Matt Corby. A bold statement, yes, but trust us, 30 seconds into his number 'No Ordinary Life' and we can already see audience members succumbing to the soft, yet powerful, melodies of the hauntingly beautiful track. All cheers and screams of "I love you" from the audience have somewhat dissipated and nothing but silence surrounds the Isaac Theatre Royal.
His live set is simple, the man of the hour is centre stage, flanked by his incredibly talented ensemble of two female vocalists and five-piece band and the chemistry between each individual is evident - this isn't just a performance where they are going through the motions, these guys play and perform like they are lifelong friends. Simplicity is key to Corby's performance, so much so, the muso has opted to forgo footwear and has created an ambience that reflects the nature of his album, Rainbow Valley. No over the top light spectacles, no overused expletives or phrases to hype the audience - just his presence, his talent and a few cheeky quips.
As well as playing tracks off his most recent album, the audience were treated to tracks from his back catalogue including 'Brother' and 'Resolution' - his vocals were sublime and a quick glance around the Isaac Theatre Royal cemented that fact as the many facial expressions (most were of shock and awe), told a story that no words need describe.
We also must mention the budding talent MANE who took on the role of opening act. Long story short, she was phenomenal. She owned the Isaac Theatre Royal stage and her indie pop was warmly embraced by crowds who instantly vibed with the Adelaide native.
Overall, the night was a sensational experience, and if we had the fortune to experience and see this man live again, we would jump at the chance.