Phosphorescent Live @ The Corner Hotel
16th January 2025
Finally, Phossy have returned to our shores for a brief flash, like a comet, three shows, one each in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. If you blinked or were on a summer holiday somewhere, sorry you missed it.
For over a decade I have moaned and gnashed my teeth, said rosaries, and lit candles (and annoyed Matthew on Insta) to assist the spirits with a return to down under. Christmas Down Under is what has taken place and this concert was a holiday present like no other.
There was slight trepidation as the gig approached. News had arrived that Matthew Houck, who leads the Phosphorescent sound, had assembled a local tribe of musicians to play these shows. I was a tad concerned they would not deliver like the magic on display in this New Jersey Festival appearance on the You Tube above.
Well, my worry was quickly put to bed. Even Houck said when he hit the stage how good this band was. I soon found out that it was not hyperbole. This was their second gig of the 3 and it went off better than a rocket to Mars.
Opening up with Cest La Vie # 2 from their 2018 album C’est La Vie sounded so good. From there they went into the title track off Revelator, their most recent offering. My concern about missing a pedal steel was taken care of by the slide of Lawrence Folvig on guitar. Bones Sloane was on bass, Jo Schornikow on keyboards and Selwyn Cozens was on the skins. They filled the room with the sonic warmth and soul that seduces you with Houck’s songs.
Cinematic at times and rocking out at others this band nailed it. How many words of praise can I write? Houck’s got his heart open wide and the energy and beauty that took place for just over 90 minutes made for one of those transcendent evenings.
With a setlist that touched on 6 of Phosphorescent’s records, everyone got at least one song they wanted as could be noted by the whoops coming from the audience.
One more show tonight in Sydney at The Factory. If you can make it…..do all you can.
I am still sticking with my recent remark that Phosphorescent is my favourite band of this century….
https://www.factorytheatre.com.au/event/phosphorescent/
Okervill River’s frontman, Will Sheff, opened the night with a large handful of songs. There was an appreciative crowd in attendance for his brief set.
