REVIEW: THE MILK CARTON KIDS @ HER MAJESTY’s THEATRE

‘Will You Remember Me?’ is a highlight, the four-minute song perfectly embracing the intimacy of the entire performance – a cherry atop a dazzling dessert.

Words by Will Oakeshott

A capacity crowd at Her Majesty’s Theatre for The Milk Carton Kids is treated to a rather bizarre greeting of the Grammy-nominated duo when Joey Ryan, one-half of the headline act, walks onto the stage, approaches the only microphone present and introduces the show. Sort of. What follows is a five-minute comedy routine that acts as an ‘icebreaker’. 

Comedy set complete, Ryan introduces the evening’s support act, graceful songstress Vera Sola. But not before mentioning that, in his eyes, Sola is one of the finest guitarists going and admitting that he tried to emulate her playing skills but failed terribly. 

Vera Sola (Danielle Aykroyd – daughter of The Blues Brothers star, Dan) is one of those rare artists who effortlessly captures attention through their elegance. A rousing applause greets the musician before silence falls over Her Majesty’s and Vera begins tenderly playing opening track, ‘Crooked Houses’. Despite there being more than 1000 attendees, the audience is transported into an intimate and lush universe as the artist moves masterfully through her set. ‘Captivating’ hardly begins to describe the sound. A Quentin Tarantino-esque, saloon-like soundtrack forms the musical backbone of Vera’s songs, while her voice blends Jade Castrinos’ brazen edge with the folk splendour of First Aid Kid. 

Her husband, Kenneth Pattengale, (the second half of The Milk Carton Kids) joins the stage for some enchanting duets, despite technical difficulties. Almost too soon, the sensational showcase is over, but we’re reminded that the main act is still to come. 

The Milk Carton Kids have had to delay their Australian tour for three years. Understandably, these postponements have built anticipation for both the outfit and their fans. However, the time has come for the two quirky Californian gentlemen to treat the Adelaide Guitar Festival to their folk-playing intricacy. 

The duo are almost a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde coalescence. Kenneth Pattengale is like a scientist, or better yet, a mathematician, with his complex guitar talents that seem to transcend human ability. Then there is Joey Ryan, who is fascinating and funny and can charm any crowd with his soothing serenades. It’s phenomenal chemistry and an absolute delight to witness. 

‘Honey Honey’ is a math-folk indulgence beyond belief. It’s confounding that Pattengale can execute the song with such skill and sophistication on an acoustic guitar with only two hands. ‘One True Love’ slows the set down before the duo launches into the title track of their new album, I Only See The Moon. The song creates a cinematic aura in the theatre – despite being deprived of the 15-piece orchestra with which the song was originally recorded. 

The crowd demands an encore, and thankfully, the two deliver. ‘Will You Remember Me?’ is a highlight, the four-minute song perfectly embracing the intimacy of the entire performance – a cherry atop a dazzling dessert. 

To The Milk Carton Kids, we say please don’t worry – Adelaide will remember you. In fact, we have ‘High Hopes’ you’ll return to Her Majesty’s Theatre very soon.