Review – The Gin Club
The Gin Club is a folk collective with a rock ’n’ roll attitude. The seven permanent and two semi-regular members met at an open mic night in a Brisbane Irish pub, run by band member Ben Salter. They bonded over a desire to collaborate and a shared love of gin, and the rest is history. This one-off show in the Spiegeltent was part of their tenth-anniversary celebrations.
Recording their eponymous debut album in a day of studio time won in a charity auction, the group clearly have excellent musical chemistry – they share songwriting duties, instruments, and lead vocals. In between songs, Salter discloses that the only expectation of Gin Club is that each member will bring a couple of their best songs to the table. Their fifth album is in the making now, with an expected release in mid-2014.
From the gentler ballad “Junk”, from cellist Bridget Lewis, to the gorgeously heart-rending “Abigail”, penned by semi-permanent member Ola Karlsson, the band’s music is eclectic yet cohesive. They have a richness of sound that can only be achieved with a large ensemble, particularly what with featuring four guitars onstage at once. And with some songs featuring six voices belting out the chorus together in perfect harmony, the Gin Club’s lush sound filled the room and melted hearts.
I had never heard of the Gin Club before – I put my hand up for the gig because I too am enthusiastic about aromatic spirits – but they have definitely found a new fan. Judging by the audience’s response, I know I’m not the only one. Here’s hoping their next gig in Adelaide is in a rowdier venue.
