Between the high energy performance of country rockers Hey Negrita and the mellower but crowd pleasing sounds of the Waifs, it’s quite an evening at the Empire.
Watching The Waifs play at Shepherd Bush Empire, I realise that the airline industry could learn a thing or two from their performance. Somehow, in a matter of minutes, without any messy queues or 24-hour flights across the ocean I find myself in the middle of Australia. When the performers ask if there are any Aussies in the crowd and the entire venue explodes in cheers, I wonder if the Waifs have cracked the secret to teleportation.
The real trick for this folk-country-rock threesome isn’t bringing audiences to Oz, but Oz to their audience. Many songs mention people and places from their home country and the group engages fans by playing some popular Aussie songs as well, including ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’ which they will be re-recording later this year.
The Empire is a great venue for The Waifs. Both the gently swaying crowd below and the listeners in the seated stands seem to be enjoying themselves although I have to say I was glad to have a seat. Rock flavour appears in a number of Waifs songs but their music encourages gentle head-bopping over real dancing. Lead singers and sisters Vikki Thorn and Donna Simpson seem to be ready to dance regardless and spend the show careening around the stage. Dancing or not, when these girls open their mouths you remember why The Waifs have such a following. This group is set apart by their strong vocals with all members contributing equally to the powerful sound.
Along with guitarist Josh Cunningham, the The Waifs have released six albums, most recently ‘Sun, Dirt, Water’. Throughout the night they play a mix of both older and newer songs including popular singles such as ‘Lighthouse’ and ‘Bridal Train’ which have the whole room singing. The real treat of the night is when they play a new song that hasn’t yet been recorded. The sound is much closer to the country rock and less folk as we heard in some of their earlier albums.
The Waifs are touring with Irish country blues band Hey Negrita opening. Had they not been playing in a room of 300 Australians waiting to hear their countrymen, Hey Negrita might have stolen the show. Their upbeat rock-influenced country and blues had an Americana flavour and here and there a touch of what might remind listeners of a young Johnny Cash. Even without an overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception, the members of Hey Negrita seem thrilled to be here. In particular, Will Greener on the harmonica grabs the limelight as he dances giddily across the stage. I think we can expect to hear more from Hey Negrita in the blues and country arena.
Between the high energy performance of country rockers Hey Negrita and the mellower but crowd pleasing sounds of the Waifs, it’s quite an evening at the Empire. With new-comers Hey Negrita and some great new sounds from the Waifs, it sounds like the folk and country scene will have plenty to talk about.
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