Ever since stumbling into a random venue at BigSound a couple of years ago and witnessing the genius that is Elizabeth Rose, I’ve been following her career closely. Yet, strangely enough, this is the first time I’ve seen her out of BigSound context.
The beginning of the night started off with duo Fishing. I loved what they were trying to do. It had an essence of video game music (the awesome kind) crossed with the sophisticated, densely layered type of electronica. Despite them being a bit rough around the edges, I absolutely loved the set, even with all the 'mistakes'. You know what guys? If you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have even noticed. Touche!
Safia were amazing! The lead singers vocals are so interesting. He’s kind a got a whistle tone going on, yet can throw out the rich tones as well; really pleasant to listen to, layered on top of the production. “Mercury” was one of my favourites of the set, but it was the band’s cover of The Aston Shuffle’s “Tear it Down” that really sold me on them. And then you’ve got the gem that is “Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues” (Seriously, how did this song not position higher than number 76 in Hottest 100!) It was so much more amazing and intense live and captured the yearning in the opening section and the introverted dance in the middle. Just amazing.
Elizabeth Rose was on fire, and while there was a lot hell-right with her set, there was also a whole lot wrong with her set. Her vocals were stunning, and the visual performance captivating. She utilised her projected visuals brilliantly, and they mated the songs quite well. It was great to her performing songs from not only her latest self-titled release, but also her debut release Crystallise. She also performed her Triple J ‘Like a Version’ cover “Rhythm of the Night” which went off and got the crowd moving and dancing.
It’s always intriguing to see the difference a venue makes in the delivery and reception of a show. For Elizabeth Rose as an electronica artist, Alhambra was a good venue choice. However, as a viewer of the gig who adores her music, when the venue opens their doors to the wider public before the set has finished, well, use your imagination - it’s a Saturday night.
All in all, it was an amazing set, but I could see her frustration during “The Good Life” and the way in which she got off that stage quickly. Also, I do wish she had played a longer set. I was expecting a full 45-plus minute set from the headline act, but was disappointed that she brought the set to a close after only half an hour.
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