Project Description

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MICHAEL DAY
“Treetops” Single Launch
Lyrics Underground
12th March, 2021
(Live Review)

Reviewer: Melanie Griffiths

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Alternative Folk singer and songwriter Michael Day brought a few of his friends together to put on a lively night at Lyric’s Underground to celebrate the launch of his newest single, “Treetops”.

Tucked away down a reinvigorated laneway in Maylands is a little gem of a live venue, Lyric’s Underground. Aside from the very chilled, friendly atmosphere of the bar and patrons, the venue itself is top-notch in delivering great acoustics in a cosy space. As Michael Day and the supporting artists took to the stage it didn’t matter where you were, whether it be the beanbags down the front or at one of the bar table stools every vantage point delivered great sound. This was an added bonus for a night that felt like the complete package with a strong supporting lineup and Day gave a solid performance of beautifully constructed folk songs.

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The young musician opened the night played to a healthy crowd who’d already made their way downstairs. Self-described as a “Sad boy making mediocre songs for people and himself”, Raymondouu is clearly underestimating himself. 

Whilst the young singer with guitar cut a shy figure on stage he was still able to perform a set that showed there was a lot to like. His songs, understandably, are still evolving as there is a sense of Raymondouu trying to define the diffused edges of his songs. “Taxi Driver” was a lilting, delicate song that captivated the audience which was then followed by “Alcohol” another song with a lot of quiet charm. There was also “Sweet Company”, a rap song he wrote a long time ago and when compared to his more recent work suggested a pivot in approach and predilections. 

Dealing with many of the common themes of young artists like finding their place in this world and trying to figure out a sense of self, Raymondouu’s voice displayed an endearing sensitivity. A cover of Carla Geneve’s “2001” fitted in perfectly with his vibe and added more meat to the bones of his set, as most of his songs coming in under three minutes. Finishing earlier than expected, he definitely piqued interest in the crowd.

Following on, Chidgzey with his mop of hair, glasses and a Telecaster could be mistaken for a modern urban Buddy Holly but that might be where the similarities end. Chidgzey’s simple arrangements of his songs worked well keeping the audience chatter down to a minimum with the mood around the room being fun by attentive to the singer on stage. “When The Sun Goes Down” was a lovely antidote to the working week.

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A standout moment came with “Imaginary Road” which had more energy and a fuller sound behind it becoming one of the few songs of the night that skirted more heavily into the indie lane. Later, mentioning he loved The Paper Kites, Chidgzey went on to play their song, “Electric Indigo”, a brilliant song by the Melbourne band and confidently covered by Chidgzey. Without the additional instrumentation, the singer’s voice made the song feel even more wistful.

The bar was raised again with Jacob Wylde who was accompanied by his band. Wylde’s voice gentle and warm painted lyrical pictures that lent itself to quiet contemplation. Folk driven but with a whisper of misty-dewed romanticism, Wylde is a vulnerable singer. Accompanied by a bass player and drummer it was a lovely set filled with endearing folk songs.  He may ponder at being a “Bandcamp archive with maybe just 100 plays”.

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Given the breadth of quality from the support acts and with Michael Day still yet to play it’s no wonder this gig sold out and Day, adorned in socked feet and thongs mingled with several tables and groups fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout. By the time he took to the stage, along with his band, it was like he was giving a gig from his living room. 

Opening with “Guildford”, Day wasted no time by starting off with a kick. He and his band had great energy between them as all five played and sung the song with a comfortable pluckiness. “Guildford” is one of those songs that has that fond nostalgic glow of songs inspired by the places in Perth we grew up in. Like much of the music from the previous artists, Day leant into embracing the role of a storyteller when he was not ruminating on more heavier issues. 

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Day got to also show off his guitar skills, revealing he can be a folk singer with bite with the three-part song “In The Dark Part 1, 2 and 3” which he mentioned should be released officially mid this year. Having had heard several short songs throughout the night it was satisfying to sink into the unhurried pace of each part of “In The Dark”. It was a revealing song that with his band had shades Of Monsters and Men. “Part 2” was a more solemn affair leaving Day to purposefully bring the energy down.

“Part 3” was the light breaking after the dawn with its optimistic folk sound, a crowd-pleaser it was received warmly with a few “whoops” thrown in. In The Dark is an interesting idea for the evolution of a song and shows a lot of promise. 

Whilst there wasn’t a lot of dancing, there was a lot of enthusiasm and camaraderie in the crowd. A few times Day also acknowledged his wife and her contribution to the night. Giving the impression that she is also a muse, Day recounted his wife’s regular swimming trips at the beach and his ensuing anxiety over sharks. From that premise, he penned a song that was a reflection on the futility of wanting to protect their lover whilst knowing there must be a level of surrender given too. 

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The night however was to celebrate the launch of Day’s new single “Treetops”. His newest work is described by the singer as “an internal reflection on our society, but also my own feelings about how society runs as a meritocracy.” Written last year, it’s a song born from the enforced self-reflection that occurred as we all bunkered at home. “Treetops” shows the songwriter is unafraid to ask uncomfortable questions about his life. They’re questions many people would’ve face last year, wondering as we all sat in our homes trying to carry on the old, whilst keeping safe and baking bread, ‘was that the life worth living?’. The questions remain unanswered for some but through “Treetops”, Day tells us he aims to lead a richer life.

“Treetops” marks another step on the journey of self-discovery for Day and as he sang there was a quiet hush over the crowd who were listening intently. In comparison to starting point “Guildford”, Day has a wide breadth to his songwriting.

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“Storms” also marked a highpoint in Day’s setlist. It was a moody, tumultuous song that quietly built. For Day it appeared the lyrical narrative is just as important to him as the composition. Day again showed the audience why he is a strong storyteller, invoking evocative imagery even whilst wearing double pluggers. “Storms” also featured rolling drums and guitars featuring a spacious soundscape like the call far off of a bird. Within the intimate space of Lyric’s Underground it was a satisfying way to close out the night.

It’s a rare treat to have all acts on a night be just as good as each other. The night provided three talented and promising musicians who all showed different aspects of their personas. To then cap off the night with Day’s adept performance, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything better that night, and it made one want to linger even as the last of his guitar notes rang across the room. Next time, I think I’ll settle in and park myself up on one of the bean bags up front.

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Check out MICHAEL DAY below
Soundcloud – Facebook – Instagram – Youtube 

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Follow JACOB WYLDE
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Follow CHIDGZEY
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Follow RAYMONDOUU
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AMNPLIFY – DB