The Waifs
A Brief History... (Jarrah/Compass)
by Marc Hirsh
The Waifs
A Brief History... (Jarrah/Compass)
by Marc Hirsh
originally published in Amplifier, March-April 2005
Would that there was a more original way of saying it, but why fight it: if you’ve ever been interested in the Waifs but couldn’t decide where to start, the double live A Brief History…is the ideal introduction. In fact, it so brilliantly captures the Australian roots band at what they do best that it may serve the cross-purpose of being the only Waifs album anybody really needs. Still, it’s quite a showcase, presenting a band that has been honed by the road in the best possible way, giving them a profound degree of confidence without the cockiness and laziness that can come from being too polished. Despite a fine and at times phenomenally subtle rhythm section (take note of how bassist Ben Franz is practically directing the sinuous “Flesh and Blood” from behind the scenes), it’s guitarist Josh Cunningham and sisters Donna and Vikki Simpson who appear on the front and back covers, and with good reason. Cunningham’s guitar playing is impeccable and sometimes jawdropping, and the Simpsons’ vocals, solo and in harmony, are rich and handsome like the Indigo Girls’. The songs themselves are hit-or-miss, but they’re invaluable as a delivery system for the performances; there’s a spot towards the end of “When I Die” when all the instruments fade away and it’s just the sisters harmonizing, beautifully. It’s one of countless moments all over A Brief History… that show the Waifs shining in their element.