25 January 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane – review and pictures by Bec Lee
I must admit that I’m very late to jump on The Dead South bandwagon, but gosh am I glad that I have. The evening is humid, and I am already red-faced as I enter the Fortitude Music Hall, a larger venue than I am used to shooting in of late, with seating for around 4000 people. A beautiful (newish) venue designed in the art deco style of old, it is absolutely chockers and there is a massive queue at the merchandise area.
My friend of 30 years is keen for a t-shirt, and it is he that I can thank for telling me about The Dead South, a band that everyone seems to have found my mistake. We stand in the queue in absolute awe of the amount of people who have turned up tonight, the venue is sold out and we are only here because the demand was so high that the gig had to move from the Tivoli, a much smaller venue. What is going on? Why is this band so popular? And why didn’t I know about them earlier?
Supporting tonight are Hooten Hallers, whose website describes them as “Missouri’s own Blues, Soul, and Rock n’ Roll since 2007”. Their “gritty Americana roots music” is a welcome change for those like me who tend to stick to indie bands. These guys don’t take themselves too seriously, but they are top notch musicians with incredible energy and a passion to entertain and keep the crowd interested (and dancing). Singer/guitarist John Randall’s raspy and emotive vocals coupled with impressive guitar solos are a real treat, and baritone saxophonist Kellie Everett is a real talent. Their back catalogue, including latest album ‘Back in Business Again’ is really worth checking out.
Now it’s time to answer one of my questions above. Why is this band so popular? The Dead South arrive on stage, which is set up with 4 microphones at the front. They probably planned to get straight into it, until this happens – a standing ovation before they even play a note. Main vocalist Nate Hilts stops in his tracks and takes it all in, his face indicating a mixture of shock, delight, pride and disbelief. Maybe he was asking himself “how did we get here?”. For the next hour and a half, we are drawn into the world of The Dead South, a Canadian bluegrass/folk/country/blues four-piece string band with no drummer. Oh, and a special mention – cello player Danny Kenyon is incredible, and he cuts such a lovely shape on stage with his cello.
The best thing to come out of Saskatchewan takes us through their 3 albums and 5 EPs, including the popular “In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company” from 2014’s “Good Company”. The musicianship, the entertainment factor and the dark, ironic lyrics all make for a unique experience. 4000 people can’t be wrong!
They don’t disappoint with the encore, which includes “Banjo Odyssey”, a catchy tune with questionable lyrical content: Mama said, she’s my brothers daughter/And I don’t even know who’s my father/I guess she’s my cousin/But she needs some sweet lovin’ anyway. More ironic than dodgy. I hope.
This is a band that I am glad to have stepped away from my comfort zone to listen to and see live. If you haven’t heard The Dead South yet, do it now. And watch their videos, because part of their appeal is the way they look.
