The Fray had gained popularity in Australia with songs like "How to Save a Life" and "Over My Head (Cable Car)", and had a recent number one single with "You Found Me". About 2000 people packed into the Metro City nightclub in anticipation of the band's inaugural Perth show.
Before the Show and Support Acts
A line of mostly young people had gathered outside Metro City well before doors opened at 8pm, with roughly 10 females to every male.
The first support act, Sydney-based singer-songwriter Shelley Harland warmed up the growing crowd with a selection of mild acoustic pop songs, including her debut single "Wonder", while constantly thanking The Fray and the audience for listening.
Next was the up-and-coming Secondhand Serenade, who looked a little more self-assured and appeared to have a strong cult following among the crowd. The audience was far more attentive during this set, and were loudly singing along by the time front man John Vesely sat down at the keyboard to play hit ballad "Fall For You".
What followed was a lengthy wait, during which security staff had to break up a minor altercation as the crowd grew increasingly restless. The Fray finally took to the stage at about 10:30pm. It was probably a good thing that this was an 18+ show, not because any of the artists were remotely offensive, but because no student could have been expected to function at school the next morning after such a late night.
The Fray's Main Set
Lead singer and pianist Isaac Slade silently acknowledged the audience before the band began a set that would include all 10 tracks from their latest album The Fray and half of its predecessor How to Save a Life. The Fray kicked off with two new songs, "Absolute" and "Syndicate", before winning the casual fans over with hit single "Over My Head (Cable Car)".
"Thank you very much, Perth, Western Australia, how's everybody doing tonight?" Slade's first words for the night set off a series of excited squeals that would continue for the rest of the show. "I can't understand a word you're saying, but we love you." Slade went on to joke about Perth people being crazier than most Australians, as well describing the city as a well-kept secret and likening Australia to a mistress.
"How to Save a Life" came surprisingly early in the set and had everyone in the club singing along. Gradually the music and then Slade's voice stopped and 2000 people finished the song a'cappella in one of the obvious highlights of the night.
"You Are So Beautiful", a song made famous by Joe Cocker, was weaved into "Look After You", bringing the somewhat dull track to life on stage. Later, guitarist Joe King took lead vocals in a touching rendition of "Ungodly Hour", at times even sounding like the better singer.
The main set ended with another singalong in the form of current ARIA top 10 single "You Found Me" that left the crowd eagerly chanting for more.
Encore
Slade emerged alone after the main set, sitting down at the piano and offering a humorous anecdote about visiting a popular Perth beach. "I didn't know I had a belly until I went to Cottesloe Beach," he told the delighted crowd. "So I started working out today. I swam as hard as I could at the swimming pool at the hotel and I lasted seven minutes. So this is for all the St Patrick's Day celebrants, especially the ones who wished they looked different." With those words and a chuckle, Slade began a mesmerising solo piano performance of "Hundred".
The rest of the band joined him for the sometimes eerie "We Build Then We Break" before Slade traded his piano for an acoustic guitar to close the night with the wistful "Happiness". While the songs were not well known, the emotional delivery and intimate venue ensured the audience left Metro City buzzing.
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