Jonah Matranga @ Trillians, Newcastle (23.10.08)

Words:  Tommy Jackson

From the pricetags on his merchandise with the suffix of '-ish' to the birthday dedication to a longtime fan, what sets Jonah Matranga apart is charm, and a clear desire to ensure that his fans leave the show happy. In this respect, Jonah is one of a rare breed.

'Not About A Girl Or A Place' provides the high point of tonight's set, with special mention also going to a rousing loose cover of 'Purple Rain' which opens the show and the nihilistic brilliance of 'Every Mistake' which is heartbreakingly simple... or maybe just heartbreaking.

Throughout the set Matranga effortlessly weaves songs, anecdotes and tributes which makes the show feel incredibly intimate. What the former Gratitude frontman occasionally lacks in songwriting quality, he makes up for in enthusiasm and self-belief, and it works. It works because he makes such an effort to get the crowd on-side, and because, in essence, he is one of us - a shy, slightly nerdy music geek who enjoys hanging out in small bars watching a shy, slightly nerdy music geek sing songs. Few performers will ever manage to bridge the gap with their fans in the way that Jonah Matranga has, and that is why they will always keep coming back. The fact that he always puts on a damn good show helps a little too.