Review: Josh Pyke with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra @ Festival Theatre 24/04/25
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut mini-album, Feeding the Wolves, Josh Pyke teamed up with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for an enthralling and emotional night of live music.
Words Will Oakeshott // Images Saige Prime
Josh Pyke with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra @ Festival Theatre 24/04/25
“Imagination is the only key to the future. Without it none exists - with it all things are possible.” – Ida Tarbell.
Even Josh Pyke himself admitted that when he was writing the memorable tracks which would unify to become his critically acclaimed and commercially successful mini-album Feeding The Wolves from his childhood bedroom, he never thought he would be standing on the Festival Theatre stage in front of thousands of people performing those very songs with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Nearly 20 years after the release of the ARIA-nominated Feeding The Wolves, Mr Pyke had well and truly surpassed the ‘Middle Of The Hill’ – he was assuredly at its peak, and this gig was a magnificent commemoration of the remarkable record.
An eerie calm overtook the stirring audience as the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra began its compelling introductory composition. The brass, wind, string and percussion sections all built in volume slowly, intensifying a mystical tension that was almost reminiscent of the hushed initial crackling of impending thunder.
The thunder, though, was to be the determined footsteps signifying the entrance of folk-pop extraordinaire Joshua Jon Pyke, equipped with an acoustic guitar, tuxedo and charming persona. Joining him was conductor Vanessa Scammell, who gracefully glided onto her platform intent on directing this once-in-a-lifetime event to the status of “beyond memorable.”
‘Beg Your Pardon’ launched this extravagant exhibition and was simply breathtaking. The brass and string sections amplified the emotional drive of the lyrics to indescribable levels, especially the line: “I made you think of me right now”. In all honesty, this was of the calibre of the Grammy award-winning soundtrack for The Little Mermaid – yet this was just the beginning.
‘Private Education’ followed sublimely with Josh abandoning his beloved acoustic guitar to allow himself to shine with just his ethereal croon; astonishingly, the theatrical aura seemed to escalate to wondrous heights. ‘Fill You In’ returned to that phenomenal Walt Disney soundtrack motif, with Pocahontas being a fitting home for this reimagination. As Pyke exceptionally serenaded us with the line, “And it rained right through me,” the aforementioned metaphoric storm had surged to its full strength and consequently became a delightful disquiet of such beauty that the capacity crowd could only marvel at it.
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After sharing a joke about how at this amazing juncture in his career, Josh was proudly wielding a mullet haircut, he collected his guitar and delivered a powerful rendition of ‘Goldmines’ that should have been present in the Aladdin film. A further occurrence of hilarity transpired when the captivated onlookers cheered and applauded prematurely, believing it was the conclusion of the track. Pyke, in a panic, frantically gestured the “Shhhh” action without breaking concentration in a rather miraculous movement.
Fan-favourite ‘Middle Of The Hill’ belonged in the Frozen franchise with its unforgettable vivacity, leaving all present spellbound. Another witticism was included, suggesting that as an encore, the orchestra should perform that sensational single again, but with a big “Rock show” finish, which the collection of awe-inspiring artists was more than eager to undertake. Closing the first “scene”, if this was to be a parallel to a theatrical piece, were ‘Staring Down The Sun’ and ‘Feeding The Wolves’, leaving the entirety of the Festival Theatre yearning for more.
Scene Two (so to speak) commenced with ‘A Town That You’ve Never Been To’ and filled everyone’s soul with hope and love; it even inspired some “stomping” effects as if this had become the previously mentioned “rock show”. Josh abruptly admitted to his Tim Roger’s “outfit change” he had executed, which was simply the removal of his coat that he had been fitted for that day in Rundle Mall because his original tuxedo failed to arrive from Sydney in time. Nevertheless, he still “got to play dress-ups with an orchestra.”
‘The Summer’ warmed all of Adelaide with its enchantment, and if there is ever to be a sequel of this performance, a choir would undoubtedly bewilder the world with its unbelievable allurement. ‘Clovis’ Son’ provoked a near “hold back the tears” dynamic in its splendour. ‘Memories & Dust’ capitalised on all of these sentiments and managed to elevate the shimmering spirit to a glowing status.
‘You’re My Colour’ was a dreamy love song that helped the onlookers escape the more difficult realities we face in these recent challenging times. ‘The Lighthouse’ then enthrallingly counteracted that sensation to a degree, especially with the rousing and heroic lyrics: “I'll just hold you tight and we'll not let those fuckers in.” Taika Waititi – if the TV series Our Flag Means Death is renewed, here is the new title song.
‘Leeward Side’ incredibly channelled Bob Dylan with Mr Pyke’s storytelling and integrity. ‘What It Means To Be Alone (Catherine)’ also achieved this, but with a Bruce Springsteen ambience; Joshua admitted the song was derived from his mother’s battle with Alzheimer's disease and in recognition of the devastating effects of the horrid illness, a backwards orchestration of the composition was delivered that surpassed moving – it was magical.
An encore was performed and it was the reinterpretation of ‘Middle Of The Hill’ as discussed prior, but in this rendition, there was clapping, smiles and laughter being shared with performers and audience alike. The atmosphere was genuinely charged with electric positivity. It was as if this could have only been imagined…
“Imagination is the only key to the future. Without it none exists - with it all things are possible.”
What does the future hold for Josh Pyke? Perhaps Disney should be taking note.
