I was invited to the Riverside by a good friend to hear a local band who were supporting two well known bands from out of town, The Jar Family and Ten Foot Tom and the Leprosy Cooks. Intrigued by the name of this local band, Cows Lying Down, my curiosity got the better of me and I accepted the invitation.
I was not disappointed. Ten Foot Tom and the Leprosy Cooks delivered their amazing garage energised sounds and The Jar Family their excellent manicured harmonies with wonderful breadth of sound. However it was the 45-minute set performed by Cows Lying Down that transported me to another world of stories, melodies and foot tapping rhythms, all delivered eloquently with gentle humour and seriousness striking a beautiful balance within each song. The band is made up of cajon/djembe, bass, cello, electric and accoustic guitars, complemented by the melodious tones of singer songwriter Paul Davison who is Cows Lying Down’s front man. His writing skills and lyrical voice transports you into the everyday challenges, loves and hopes that we all experience in our lives, weaving tales of happiness and sorrow within the words and music. The songs are original , catchy and well written, and complimented by the excellent playing of the other musicians in the band. A breath of fresh air made this musical evening very memorable; a band to certainly look out for — Amora Jo Blenkinsop, The Crack Magazine