As the iconic Bakery’s thirteen-year reign in Perth draws to a close, Club Sandwich’s Josh Cutler put on a huge night for us lucky ones to party to late in the game. If you were there, it was probably the tastiest Thursday toasted special you’ve experienced in quite some time… with a bittersweet pinch of local venue reality.
Wrapped up in those familiar red curtains, surrounded by the shipping containers we’ve all clung to and existentially wondered about at some point or another; a familiar star studded line-up graced the stage they’ve graced many a time before and sadly, very sadly – won’t grace again.
One of which was Freo-local songstress Elli Schoen, opening the show and serving up a simply beautiful remedy to all the problems we didn’t solve in our Thursday schedule. With only a three pronged set up of a mic, guitar and drum kit; the duo on stage waved away the not-exactly-ideal reality of work the next day, for some, and opened the door for a few cheeky Tecate tinnies. A very tranquil performance and perhaps a little trepid, one to most certainly look out for as we can expect Ellie to explode on the Perth scene in due time.
Wordplay favourite Mei Saraswati was on point as per usual, a small group of dedicated fans watching the r’n’b infused beatmaker/songstress weave her magic. Her lighthearted on stage banter is always appreciated, too! While all this was going on, an awe-inspiring mixture of works and photography by local painters/storytellers Jerome Davenport, Simon Pynt, Lisk and Cowboy Pants was on exhibition out the back. An extremely intriguing selection of work, perfect to admire while you hopelessly smoke your cigarette, wondering how these individuals came about being so talented.
Back inside, on came local emcee/legend Mathas, confessing he needed to shake off the cobwebs and oil up after a short while away from a live mic. But the man was fresh off some recent Triple J airtime, breathing some quiet confidence into his set. The fire you heard on radio (or missed at your own loss) was new single ‘Free Shit’ off the upcoming LP. Featuring producer YLEM and Mei (nice coincidence) on those backing vocals, Mathas burned through his new track for us to all experience in the flesh. His poetic genius proving yet again his status of hip hop royalty around this city, a throne he’s been rocking on for longer than you think. Plus, the emcee performed some of his older tracks, like ‘Stone Cold Sober’ and ‘Doctorshopping’, complete with those robotic gestures and eccentric props making up his atmospheric, unique stage presence.
In the same hip hop vein, jazz incited-rock ignited seven piece Koi Child blistered through their set with integrity and control. Seemingly impossible for a group who make it look so easy every damn time. Flowing through a recital of working titles for yet another upcoming LP we look forward to, one of which included the previously released ‘Slow One’ – which always goes down a treat. Their live performance, is almost like two different bands perfectly in sync. The brass section do their impeccable thing… while the dudes on drums, bass and keys paint a perfectly cruisy canvas for their emcee Shannon to spell out his self-reflective, but laidback rhymes. And it all works so well. Vibes.
The last filling in this sandwich, Catlips, closed out a delectable evening. This rhythmic beat maker continues to gather heat in this city. To no surprise, her set was flawless. It would be interesting to see how a verse or two would fit into her music… however that’s not to say her sound is incomplete, it’s just a contemplation. She rocks her own style that’s for certain.
If that was potentially your last show at our beloved Bakery, fans and artists inclusive, you should know the ‘final curtain’ event is this Saturday – in case you can make an exception. If not, Club Sandwich was all you could hope for to send off one of the best venues Perth has to offer. As it’s best not to dwell, here’s hoping Club Sandwich becomes somewhat of a regular fixture, only with a new destination!
THESOUNDMAGNETIC 