Natural Bridge 2023
‘(Insert anything here) was better back in the day. Back in my day.’
Such an annoying statement to hear. Usually blurted out by someone who has decided they’re already past their prime and are looking back on the past. Someone that’s not willing to look for a new experience. I understand that as time goes on, finding or making something new gets harder, but shouldn’t that make something new more special?
Handsome Tours and Jet Black Cat Music created something new and something special in Natural Bridge. For the second year running, Natural Bridge has delivered a unique and diverse line-up to the Eltham for a sold-out bevy of audio indulgence.
Baby Cool
Opening with brand new hypnotic tunes from Brisbane’s Baby Cool (side project of Grace Cuell from Nice Biscuit), followed by the sublime harmonies of Folk Bitch Trio (Melb), then Bones & Jones (Melb) amplified a harp with energy.
Bones & Jones
Folk Bitch Trio
A musical intermission saw the sun drop in the sky before Mdou Moctar (Niger) delivered one of the most distinctive sets I’ve ever seen. Fusing a high pace, repetition, chanting, and unorthodox guitar use that blurred the line between riff and solo and sent the awed crowd into awe and liberated convulsions of sporadic dance. Long stern stares into the audience were punctuated by actual trips into the audience that only heightened the vibe. We don’t get to see many acts like Mdou Moctar in Australia, because there aren’t many bands like them in Australia—or the world. So, if you catch yourself complaining about everything being same-same, look harder.
Mdou Moctar
After an uncomfortably long and loud soundcheck, the night was rounded out tastefully by Drugdealer. Pitchfork described them as ‘Early ‘70s AM radio,’ and I couldn’t describe them better. Not only are the tunes super easy to listen to, their soft voices and relaxed humour helped wind the night down perfectly.
Drugdealer
When asked about memorable performances, my brain only lets half a dozen or so spring to mind without deeper thought. At this stage, I’m confident that this year’s Natural Bridge will make that list.
