It was still about 100°F after dark at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and Vance Joy reminded us all to drink more water, jokingly suggesting that he get a tattoo of that wisdom on a banner wrapped around a snake, wrapped around a sword with a skull riding a motorbike. Despite the uncomfortable weather, Vance Joy had nothing but smiles to share, along with a story about his “big tooth” that can light up a room.
Vance Joy played from his studio albums Dream Your Life Away and Nation of Two, both of which are compilations of love songs, all celebrating experience and the little things that make you “look up” to discover something new every day. The indie folk tunes set up a wholesome and uplifting show, anchored by the Australian singer-songwriter. Transitioning between acoustic guitars and the ukulele, Vance Joy had a benevolent stage presence.
The Greek, a 5,870-seat venue by the Griffith Observatory, hosted the artist and his fans, balancing the sounds of his stripped-down, acoustic songs to his full band of horns, strings, and percussion accompaniment. From his underrated (yet not forgotten) tracks like “Take Your Time” to a mashup cover of “All Night Long” and “Sorry” to his original, 100-online-likes hit “Riptide,” Vance Joy sang in that infamous raspy, gentle shakiness that fans know and love.
“Thank you so much,” was granted to the audience after nearly every song, as if he were a humble troubadour, not the global headliner he is.
(Photo #1 credit: @greek_theatre via Instagram)
