Not bad for starters

GET in early to tonight’s Michael Hurley concert in Hobart or risk missing out on an opening set by one of Australia’s smartest lyricists, Gympie troubadour Darren Hanlon.

Hanlon started out as a guitarist with Lismore indie-pop band The Simpletons in the mid-’90s, and also played guitar and keyboards for the Lucksmiths, the Dearhunters and Mick Thomas before launching his solo career in 1999.

He soon built a reputation as a compelling storyteller, with the charming and clever songwriting found on his 2000 EP Early Days earning him comparisons to Elvis Costello and Evan Dando.

Hanlon really established his credentials with his acclaimed 2002 debut album Hello Stranger, which featured fan favourites Punk’s Not Dead, Hiccups and The Kickstand Song. He consolidated his status as a top-flight songwriter with the albums Little Chills (2004), Fingertips and Mountaintops (2006), Pointing Ray Guns At Pagans (2009), I Will Love You At All (2010) and Where Did You Come From? (2015).

Known for his down-to-earth banter with audience members during his live gigs, Hanlon has toured with the likes of Billy Bragg and Violent Femmes. He’s now on the road with 76-year-old US “outsider folk” singer Michael Hurley, who is playing his first Tasmanian shows this week.

After a gig in Launceston last night, Darren Hanlon and Michael Hurley play at the Republic Bar in North Hobart from 9pm tonight. Tickets are $28.43 pre-sale from the venue and www.moshtix.com.au