Kris, Daniel and Ben - Invisible Boy
There are moments in history when we remember exactly where we were when either tragedies, victories, catastrophes or celebrations make headlines around the world and are flashed across our TV screens. Like the landing on the moon, winning the America’s Cup, Princess Diana’s death, Nelson Mandela’s release, Cyclone Tracy, the 9/11 terrorist attack, the Boxing Day tsunami, and the list goes on. For each of us there is a memory, an image, an emotion that is triggered by these events.
For Daniel Townsend, one such event was President Barack Obama’s inauguration speech. There he was, sitting in his PJs (Daniel that is) across the table from his daughter Willow eating her breakfast, listening to easily the most presidential oration to come out of the US in many a long year. The sense of hope he felt as the incoming president shared his dream for the future of the American people, his country and its place in the world instigated the creative process which resulted in Such a Time as This, the title track from acoustic band Invisible Boy’s latest EP.
What began for Daniel as an idea ten years ago from to-ing and fro-ing at social gatherings where people got together but never really ‘got together’, has evolved into the present day incarnation of Invisible Boy’s ‘Living Room’ gigs. Besides regular pub gigs, the Launceston based band have recently returned from a successful and eventful Living Room tour of Melbourne and Adelaide, and are now regularly receiving requests for their unique style of performance in lounge rooms of every size and shape around the State as well as other small venues, plus events supporting such charities as Oxfam and Make Poverty History.
You might get a buzz from attending a concert of one of the planet’s supposed megastars who have fans by the millions and dollars to match. The last time I managed one was U2 back in ’89 when BB King toured with them, a great night, but attending an Invisible Boy Living Room gig last night, at the bass player’s place actually, it became obvious why they have such a loyal support base.
They are not just performers. They don’t just get up there, sing their songs and expect accolades. Sharing the stories behind the songs brings home the issues and emotional ups and downs we all deal with on a daily basis, recognizing we’re not struggling along in isolation, that we’re not alone in the universe, nor are we the centre of it. Immersing yourself in the music and the lyrics which resonate with powerful integrity along with a small bunch of people who have chosen to share the experience, breeds a palpable intimacy.
Having metamorphosed from a fivesome to a foursome and the current threesome of Daniel Townsend and Ben McKinnon on vocals and guitars, Kris Adams on bass guitar, and accompanied by others at times depending on the occasion, they have an infectious rapport and humour with each other and their audience which instantly relaxes you and draws you in. The fact they don’t just up and leave at the end, but sit around half way through the evening and participate in sharing some good grub and stimulating conversation, adds to the enjoyment of the whole night. With seeming ease, they create a sense of community where you are left believing there is yet still hope for this planet we all inhabit, and that there is the capacity within us all to connect and care for the lonely and isolated ones we often choose to ignore.
Check out their website www.invisibleboy.com.au for upcoming events, blog entries, YouTube postings and suchlike. Well worth the visit.
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