'Storytelling is an age-old craft, and one in which Vorn Doolette seems
pretty well-versed...This troubadour stands at the forefront of a new wave
of Australian folk with a mature approach to songwriting [and] a voice to
rival the sorrowful crooning of Rufus Wainwright and Bonny 'Prince' Billy'
Rolling Stone, Aug 09
********************
'Please see that Vorn gets to the nearest psychiatric clinic immediately
after the gig, and for god's sake DO NOT TOUCH HIS PENIS.'
Kaki King 2011
********************
'Playing solo to an eager and willing audience the tall crooner allowed us
to sit back and enjoy the show...Vorn sang about trying to get laid by
persuading his beau that it was the end of the world; a German intern who
was surprisingly from Germany; and of course about a terrible Christmas with
the evocative Happy Birthday Jesus. His voice is excellent, relaxing, and
makes me want to just lie back and close my eyes while dipping my toes into
some warm Epsom Salts. Vorn manages to play simple guitar chords and yet
make the simple sound sublime.'
Live Guide (WOMADelaide warm-up show @ Jive)
********************
'Unfortunately, the last act “Vorn Doolette” was going to final performance
I was going to see for the festival. Thankfully, it couldn’t have ended
better with this amazing performance from a talented Australian songwriter
and musician. A very eccentric and deadpan stage presence combined with
incredible lyrics and minimalist arrangements could have cemented my opinion
that this guy is an unappreciated national talent. The sublime songs about
“German Interns” and a very Will Oldham-esque “Under The Waves”, the song
“The End Of The World” was potentially genius'
The AU Review (Snowy Mountains Music Festival)
********************
'Some artists try very hard to be relevant and often fall short. Doolette is
the direct opposite with a deep and natural, chocolaty voice that is only
complemented further by his personality and a natural wit displayed right up
front in song titles like ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’, ‘The Fantastic Four Is Not
So Fantastic Anymore’ and ‘Friendship Is My Sword'
Ben Preece, Time Off Mag, May 2009
********************
'The first time I heard 'The Rodeo' it cut a swathe straight through my
soul. It's the bare bones aesthetic of Vorn Doolette's song that gets to
you: nothing but a beautiful, cyclical acoustic guitar and Vorn's
honey-dipped voice.'
Dom Alessio,'Home and Hosed' Triple J
********************
'Vorn Doolette is a young man whose talent is going to take him around the
world, his voice and presence are captivating, an absolutely gorgeous voice
and a genuine artist, one that isn't afraid of allowing you to see his
essence'
Mihirangi, Musician
********************
'It’s a case of how long before Adelaide-based alternative-folk
singer/songwriter Vorn Doolette is considered in the same ilk as Australia’s
other premier folk artists... Aside from his velvet-like unwavering earthy
tone, his lyrical and musical arrangement shows a strength rarely seen in a
performer of his age. It’s easy to see why his debut long-player is so
highly anticipated. 'Orange Dress delicately meanders through the dense
scrub on a gentle spring afternoon. It definitely wouldn’t feel out of place
in a line with Tom Waits balladry (asides from the obvious differences in
vocal textures). Happy Birthday Jesus revisits that uniquely Australian
sound of the colonial years. With violin and cello offering support for this
wondering waltz, Vorn is at his best, showing that he has a knack for poetic
like melody and verse. 9 Songs is a simple delight that will have you
singing along in moments. It’s makes you wish you wrote it for you
girlfriend...Perhaps this is just the start of something much bigger. In
which case, get on board right now!'
Chris Wood, The Dwarf, March 2009
********************
'Doolette's album looks set to carve an important space in the local music
scene. Melencholy in its most romantic and beautiful sense, there is a
majesty in his music which brings a whole new level of respect to the young
performer.It is considered yet free flowing, confident without pretence and
comfortable in its own sound...irrespective of its commercial success this
album demonstrates application to music rarely found in such a young
artist.'
Ryan Winter, DB Magazine, April 2009
********************
'In some moments, his voice feels so weakened by old pains, he might blow
away with a gust of wind – and that takes some craft. 'No matter how
wistful or heavy hearted, the music is written and played with such thought
and conviction that one can’t fail to be impressed. And above all, the
gifted Doolette proves his chops as a songwriter to watch over and over.'
Paul Nassari, The Sunday Mail, April 2009
********************
'it seems his two-year devotion to the creation of the album has resulted in
a splendid anthology of sincerely emotive confessions. Distinctly melancholy
in nature, Vorn’s track record with such heartfelt tunes inspires a sense of
emotional exploration. '
Kerry Loyson, Rip It Up, April 2009
********************
'Vorn Doolette is the folk discovery of the year, with a honey sweet voice
to die for'
The Adelaide Magazine, April 2009
********************
‘Lior and Vorn Doolette impress the pants off the punters at the Gov.’
‘Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, Doolette has a bit of the Arlo
Guthries about him, weaving elaborate and amusing stories into a quirky
folkie tapestry. A bold and entertaining performer, Doolette cheekily
lampooned the headliner before ending his set with the trio of songs from
his MySpace page.’
Faster Louder.com
********************
'He's supported Lior and it's easy to see and hear why that would prove a
good fit. His songs are quirky, funny, charming, gentle, inventive and
inveigling. I can well imagine whiling away hours, drinking in his
personality, stamped distinctively and indelibly on his poetic, if slightly
inscrutable work. He falls comfortably into the reinvigorating 'and now for
somebody and something completely different' category, in the best possible
sense. One to watch, but, moreover, really listen to, which is no effort,
given his velvety voice. Lovely guitarist, too!'
Lloyd Bradford, Australian Stage Online
