We arrived to find Kate Miller-Heidke in the middle of her set, singing like a crazy operatic pixie with evil intentions. It was a pity she was only on for such a short time... she's fantastic live. She treated us to familiar songs like Dreams/I Love You, Space They Cannot Touch, the hilarious Australian Idol and finished with a great new song. The new album is out next week and I can't wait to buy it. Afterwards she was at the merchandise table selling her CDs. I managed to line up to meet her and buy myself a copy of the one I didn't own, Circular Breathing, plus acquire a signed poster. Very exciting.
While this was going on, I missed the first song by Aqualung (Matt Hales) but the next was Left Behind, probably the sole reason I came to see this guy perform. It was a great rendition, marred only by the lack of connection between the keyboard and the power source which caused temporary issues but was fixed in time for 'you open your mouth and I know what you're going to say'. Other tracks from new and old albums were played including Brighter Than Sunshine and Strange and Beautiful. I need to listen to more of his stuff. He was a pretty engaging performer although not quite up there with Kate.
And finally at about half past nine, Evermore came out... or rather, the song Across the Universe played while the stage darkened and people screamed themselves hoarse. Then they emerged and started their first song, accompanied by a choir from South Africa. There's a lot to like about Evermore. Apart from their egocentric keyboard player who shows off by literally playing upside down (he must have back problems from holding it in the air), they are charismatic performers. The drummer in particular is very impressive (he appeared on Spicks and Specks earlier this year) with endless energy.
The set list was familiar- they played all the well known songs such as Unbreakable, Running, Real Life, Too Late, For One Day and finished the set with Light Surrounding You which had the entire room on their feet. There was plenty of audience participation- chorus singing, hand clapping, people who probably can't talk today. All very good. Then to top it all off the first encore was a cover of With A Little Help From My Friends as a trible to Sergeant Pepper and its 40th anniversary.
All in all it was great value for money- a rare opportunity from music promoters to get more than you paid for. Definitely worth it, and the venue was perfect.
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