Concert Review: Alex Lahey (Motorco Music Hall)

BY MARK DOLEJS

Alex Lahey brought her music to the folks in Durham at Motorco Music Hall on Monday night. The energetic crowd danced and swayed to the music for her entire set.

The Australian singer-songwriter played eight songs from her third studio album, The Answer Is Always Yes, which was just released in May. She opened her set with “On The Way Down,” “They Wouldn’t Let Me In,” and “You’ll Never Get Your Money Back.”

The audience sang along and had almost as much enthusiasm as the band. Lahey was joined on stage by guitarist Matt Jennings, drummer Jess Ellwood and Genna Projansky on bass. Jennings was on point and somehow stayed in sync even though he often times looked like a whirligig spinning around on stage.

Midway through the set, Lahey picked up her acoustic guitar for her song “Permanent.” Before playing, she talked about the covid lockdown and what life was like during that time. She had been on tour in the states and was called back to Australia before the boarders were closed. The song was written while contemplating all of the changes in Melbourne, while living back in her childhood home. And how those changes related to her own life.

Lahey and her bandmates have been on the road for a North American tour in support of the new album since mid May and will finish up June 21 in San Diego.

[message]

MARK DOLEJS

Photography is an avenue that Mark Dolejs uses to learn about the people and places that cross his path. After more than 30 years as a photojournalist, Mark enjoys concert, macro, and roadside photography. Follow Mark on Instagram at @solidrockpix.

Read Mark's posts here.