Dave Mccormack / David Lane

Andy J Ryan Apr 25, 2023

David McCormack – Notes Live, October 3, 2009

The former Greek nightclub turned rock venue hosted former Custard front man turned Polaroids protagonist David McCormack for the launch of his latest album Little Murders.

The venue is almost uncomfortably formal for the uninitiated, with the audience all being seated at candle-topped tables with the front-row within spitting distance of the stage.

The setting suits local singer-songwriter David Lane in support with his many-membered band - including a suitably bespectacled and bearded string section - all decked-out in dapper suits and contributing to the very refined and ‘adult’ vibe of the place.

It’s almost a prevailing preconception that wit and humour don’t really mix with high-art. Was the salubrious setting and title suggesting maybe that this album Little Murders – a full five years since the last solo outing The Truth About Love – was showcasing David McCormack’s stern and sinister side?

A quip that “a gig is really just a discourse between me and the sound guy interrupted by occasional music” after numerous requests for foldback level adjustments from his band-mates after the first song quickly put pay to that.

The album being launched this evening is an expansive 20-track feast of work and we are treated to the audio equivalent of a tasting platter of the songs. The more strongly seasoned, upbeat numbers, propelled along by Cameron Bruce’s careening keyboard really hit the spot and make some wish they weren’t restricted to their seats. Though at least the lack of outlet for physical expression among the crowd puts more focus on the lyrics, and with such strange little gems such as “If I put an A.V.O out on you/Will you put an A.V.O. out on me? And in the court room we’ll be together” no one really bemoaned the lack of bopping space.

Add a sprinkling of Custard – ‘The New Matthew’, ‘Girls Like That’… and ‘Caboolture Speed Lab’ – for dessert, and McCormack disappearing out through the crowd to pop up singing at the mixing desk for the show-stopping finale and it was a terrifically engaging evening.

McCormack has the rare ability to be funny without being frivolous, which almost makes you overlook the fact he crafts such great songs, and we were all quite happy to be the victims of his Little Murders.