There’s something about The Wheaty that makes good bands sound great, and great bands sound absolutely brilliant. So yesterday we got the latter, as The Yearlings entertained us with another outstanding show. The first set was the Yearlings as a duo (Chris Parkinson and Robyn Chalken) with a brief cameo from drummer BJ Barker. In this configuration they worked through some highlights of their back catalogue from the first 4 albums. If it was up to me, I would pass a law that requires them to do this at every show, because as good as their new stuff is (more on that later), there are still many, many gems from the past that we just can’t afford to lose. Songs such as “Where The Tall Grass Grows”, “Trouble Some More”, “Sweet Runaway” and many more just thrill me every time I hear them, and although I have the CDs and can listen to them any time I like, there’s just nothing like a live performance from the Yearlings to get me stompin’ and hollerin’ (well, almost).
After a break, Chris and Robyn came back with drummer BJ Barker and bassist Dennis Kipridis. In this set they worked their way through the new album “All The Wandering”. This is the third time I’ve heard it played live now, and it seems to get better and better. It’s chock full of outstanding songs from first to last, every one of them deserving of praise. But it just wouldn’t be me if I didn’t develop at least a couple of favourites. The first of these is track 5, “Way Out East”. This is a dark moody anthem which I think is about a road trip gone wrong, and a number in which Chris really gets to show his masterful command of guitar with some searing riffs and mesmerising effects. In addition his drawling vocal is just about the stuff of legend. For my other favourite, I just can’t go past track 9, “Plain Gold Ring”. There’s a few things I like about this number. First, it’s anchored by a really hypnotic rhythm laid down by BJ and Dennis. Second, the understated guitar work by Chris showcases his creativity. But most of all it’s the stunning vocal by Robyn that makes this such a standout. So that she can do a really good job with the lyrics, Robyn actually puts down her guitar for this number (never seen that before), and it pays off.
Having worked their way through the whole album, the band thought their job was done, but the audience was having none of that, and demanded an encore. Much to my delight, that included just about the best song that’s never been recorded – “Black Shoes”.
Looking forward to their next show at the Trinity Sessions on October 11. Can’t wait.
And finally, I just have to mention that we had a great treat when Chris introduced us to his new “pedal”. I forget what it was called, but he gave us a demo, and it was a totally awesome effect, almost scary.