CHASING GHOSTS // Acoustic Out West

Chasing Ghosts—The Creator’s Lounge, Melbourne, 21 May 2017

The Creator’s Lounge is the newest hotspot in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Unfortunately, that title doesn’t hold the weight it should in an area littered with ‘closing down’ signs and a raft of identical Vietnamese bakeries. Sitting above stark faded shopfronts, the lounge is a strikingly cozy mix of bar, coffee shop and barber. It’s the sort of place that hit the east years ago without the pretentious vibe (Footscray institution Nhu Lan’s banh mis are more than welcome up here). Today is all about celebrating owner Josh Burgan’s birthday; the drinks are flowing and the Sunday sesh feels welcome to any and all.

Jimmy Kyle//Photo: Lachlan Monty

This is due in no small part to Jimmy Kyle (Chasing Ghosts), who’s taken up a weekly residency here. Halfway through his mad run of almost back-to-back shows across the city (21 to be exact), Kyle stands alone on stage. Lit by vintage bulbs and fairy lights, the family vibe in The Creator’s Lounge is a perfect mix for his raspy tinged vocals. The singer is suffering from some bronchitis but it’s melded into an edge that compliments instead of hindering his performance. Although on most dates he’s traded a solo guitar for a host of talented musicians to support him, we’re bearing witness to the type of performance that he cut his teeth on.

Those planning missing out on the rest of these performances (what, you can’t afford the price of free?) should think twice.

The room of mates is given “something a bit nasty” to open, beginning with Day of The Dead. The pure energy that rockets out of the singer’s voice welcomes those willing to shake the afternoon slump. Favourite Jane Doe stands easily as one of Kyle’s standout tracks, and the acoustic treatment doesn’t take away from its powerful “let it go” refrain. With the gang vocals of the full band stripped away, the singer’s lyrics are tinged with lament rather than the confidence of its full arrangement. Death feels like Rise Against’s Swing Life Away and the camaraderie in the room is an appropriate setting to rail against the void.

Jimmy Kyle and Josh Burgan//Photo: Lachlan Monty

A duet of Betsy with Burgan is a touching moment as the clinking of glasses and pool balls echo comfortably. The mystery shot afterwards? Apparently not so much with a definite grimace on Kyle’s face. A short but sweet set is understandable considering the Chasing Ghosts juggernaut will keep chugging on through this week. Those planning missing out on the rest of these performances (what, you can’t afford the price of free?) should think twice.  

Jimmy Kyle and Josh Burgan//Photo: Lachlan Monty