Perry Keyes – The Last Ghost Train Home

The best singer/songwriters are able to evoke a time or place within songs and give the listener a brief glimpse in the moment; but the only very best can do that and really engage the listener in the whole atmosphere around that moment in time; Keyes does more than just offer snapshots, he invites the listener into the atmosphere of working class Sydney where the characters, buildings and community are all brought to the fore.

His songwriting is uniquely Australian (similar to, although less romantic than fellow Aussie Paul Kelly), and the atmosphere of a growing, bustling city is tangible in both the words and music; the daily struggle and victories of everyday life in Australia’s most populous city run through the heart of these 11 songs.

The cultural reference points are, refreshingly, almost exclusively Australian, John Sattler, Dale Buggins and Dave Sands mix with Holdens, TAB tickets and The Easter Show – at first glance these may appear abstract, but in the context of the songs and in conjunction with Perry’s extensive glossary (here), the people, buildings and references are all brought to life, and the atmosphere created by the disc is astonishing.
The opening track ‘The Day John Sattler Broke His Jaw’ sets the standard; chiming guitars give way to a song that uses the titular event as a celebration of the community, and a commentary on how areas of Sydney were redeveloped.  It’s a song that throws information, colour, atmosphere, feeling and emotion at the listener, and sets the tone for the songs to follow.

Throughout the album you’re introduced to a host of characters and situations – fairgrounds, wrestlers, speedway, Rugby League, and childhood heroes mix with some of the grittier elements of the city with homeless, prostitution and drugs all themes that are covered.

Even though the superb writing makes the disc, his vocals and delivery are perfectly suited to the songs, they’re very easy to listen to, a little worn and with enough of a rough edge to bring with songs to life.
All the songs are built on great melodies and punctuated by memorable choruses, and the deceptively simple, but rich backing of guitars, bass, percussion and Hammond suits the album perfectly – no frills or fluff, just well constructed and instantly likeable songs.

‘The Last Ghost Train Home’ is a real journey through Sydney, and one that both covers the past and looks forward; Keyes’ is a Sydneysider who obviously loves his city and appreciates that its history has made him the person he is.  It’s a truly exceptional and rewarding piece of work, and the finest disc of the past 18 months or so…..not to be missed.

KEYES PERRY - THE LAST GHOST TRAIN HOME