Project Description

SCOTT HELMAN

@ THE TOFF

16/02/2018

By Kelsey Hentschel

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Scott Helman is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Toronto, Canada. Has landed ‘Down Under’ in Australia to Promote his latest single “PDA”. Helman made his Melbourne debut last night at The Toff In Town. Arriving in Australia only a few days earlier, to play a show in Sydney. Scott was extremely excited to continue the tour and play for us in Melbourne.

Melbourne native, Chris Watts started the night for us with his set of alluring folk/indie-pop melodies. Combining beautiful vocals, catchy riffs, and harmless crowd banter made for a memorable and deeply enjoyable performance. Chris treated us to preview of his next single “Signs” which will be released next month, and I can’t wait until its officially out so I can listen to it on a loop.

After a short intermission, Scott Helman took the stage with his drummer in tow. Opening the set with “Kites”, a catchy pop influenced tune, this song really shows off Helman’s vocal skill and his talent for creating contagious upbeat tracks. He continued on with “Kinda Complicated” which is by far the most pop-esque track from the singer. Helman’s music is an indie swirl of rock and pop, bringing together airy sounds, and a radio sensibility.

Helman’s latest single, the infectious “PDA” followed, a catchy love song about having to say goodbye to your SO when you’re in a long distance relationship.

Scott took the time before each song to give us all a little background about what the next song is about and a little insight into the writing processes. For example the song “21 Days” came about because his friend had a crazy dream about zombies and they were discussing the dream when the idea for the song came to Helman. Despite being about the zombie apocalypse, this track could even rival some of Sam Smith’s sweet ballads.

Scott powered through the rest of his set, combing material from his early EP’s as well as tracks off his debut album “Hôtel de Ville”. Even throwing in a Johnny Cash cover for those of us who might not be as familiar with every single song. Helman closed the show with his platinum single “Bungalow”. Everyone in the venue was swaying and singing along, it was a beautifully cinematic way to end the night.

This was hands down the most enchanting gig I have been to. Perhaps it was the intimate setting of the small lounge venue or the sweet cascading melodies, but I was captivated from beginning to end.

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SET LIST:

1. Kites

2. Kinda Complicated

3. PDA

4. Ripple Effect

5. 21 Days

6. Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash Cover)

7. Cry Cry Cry

8. Machine

9. The Lion

10. Bungalow

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