Surrounded by several guitars and his signature percussion kit he opens with what happens to be one of my favourite Faulkner creations, ‘Feels Like Home’. For me, the song reveals much of the nature of this singer/songwriter: a voice able to accurately reflect a song’s sentiments, simple but strong lyrical content, acute instrumental skills, and finally, songs that come from experience with a strong emotional pull.

When things don’t feel right
And you know deep inside
It breaks your heart
But you must get out
And I know you’re gonna be all right
And I know you’re gonna find your way
And I hope your future’s bright
But I hate the way it feels inside
But all I wanna do is make it through to the other side
I know I don’t wanna know why
You just can’t let this go
But I must try
I just want you to understand

Like Sam Richardson before him, Faulkner’s folk/rock style sometimes inches towards country but the next song ‘Pulling Teeth’ exposes his ability to travel mainstream pop, and very successfully. ‘Orange Skies’ signals a demand for audience participation whose challenge is immediately and effectively accepted. Faulkner’s vocal is piercing and true:

Was born in 85
and I just wanna get some sleep
Been away so long oh
I just wanna rest my feet and
The night sideways by
The people on my frequency.
Wherever I go there is always something there with me

The artist takes us on a best-of journey through 8 albums although surprisingly the setlist only includes a single song from his latest release, ‘Rest Of Me’. His ability to combine string with percussion gives him a rare USP and especially when performed with such aplomb. During the set Faulkner displays his skill as a communicator and complete entertainer as he humorously chats with the sell-out audience.

But it’s the songs that resonate so effectively with his audience and the singer’s ability to match tone with sentiments are that are deeply personal:

I need something to believe in
‘Cause I don’t believe in myself
And I’m sick and tired of getting nowhere
Guess it’ll all work out

I rate this a perfect night’s entertainment and occasionally a very emotional experience. The setlist offered a welcome diversity of pace and mood. The players, the venue, the audience worked together to create a night to remember.

Setlist

Feels Like Home
Pulling Teeth
Orange Skies
I Need Something
Hit The Ground Running
She’s Got The Time
Rest Of Me
Finger Tips
Dream Catch Me
Never Alone
Gone (In The Morning)
Brick By Brick
Clouds
Write It On Your Skin
Uncomfortably Slow
Smoked Ice Cream