It’s been nearly 26 years since local guitar whizz Nathan Cavaleri released an album. Back then he was just 12 years old, a cute kid known for his cancer battle, appearances on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, and of course that talent beyond his years. His whirlwind childhood took a toll and Nathan stepped back from the spotlight to regroup and reassess. Thankfully, after some soul searching, he’s ready to share music with us again. The result is Demons, an album that represents Nathan’s journey and the adult performer he is today.
With the album’s first single, the title track “Demons,” and his latest release, “Before You Check Out,” Nathan shows he’s unafraid of tackling the tough issues. Both songs are introspective explorations of mental illness. Sensitively handled, there’s an optimism about both numbers that balances their dark themes.
The same could be said for the whole album really. While those songs have a suitably sombre tone, they’re balanced with more upbeat tracks like the funky, psychedelic inspired “Castles in the Sky” and flirty “Crush.” A swampy cover of Cold Chisel’s classic, “Rising Sun,” is so much fun. “Drifter” is another standout. Nathan’s voice is solid throughout this album, but this instrumental number lets us focus on his sublime guitar playing. This is where he really shines. The album closes with “Chucky,” a largely instrumental classic blues number that feels so fitting. While it has some vocals, reminding us that Nathan is much more than a guitar prodigy, it’s his skills with his axe that leave the lasting impression.
With Demons, Nathan Cavaleri shows himself to be a master musician, skilled at his craft and unafraid to take risks and innovate. The album roots itself in blues traditions, but Nathan isn’t afraid to take these classic sounds in new directions. A generation of Australians fell in love with Nathan Cavaleri, the child star. Now with the release of Demons, they get the chance to fall in love with Nathan Cavaleri, the man.
Nathan can’t wait to play these songs live, so he’s working with the following venues to play shows in line with each state and territory’s COVID-19 regulations. Hopefully all these shows will go ahead with safe social distancing and other COVID-19 safety procedures in place.
2 October 2020 – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford (All ages; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
3 October 2020 – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle (18+)
9 October 2020 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla (18+)
16 October 2020 – The Pepper Tree, Aldinga (18+)
17 October 2020 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide (18+)
30 October 2020 – Camelot Lounge, Sydney (All ages; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
31 October 2020 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra (All ages; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
1 November 2020 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli (18+)
12 November 2020 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (18+)
13 November 2020 – The Catfish, Fitzroy (18+)
14 November 2020 – Live at the Bundy, Bundalaguah (All ages; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
27 November 2020 – The Baroque Room, Katoomba (18+)
3 & 4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay (All ages)
Images used with permission from On the Map PR