Project Description

EMMA LOUISE

@ The Tivoli

19/09/19

(Live Review)

Reviewer: Alexandra Ainsworth

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It was undoubtedly a bold decision to pitch down the vocals of Emma Louise’s third record, Lilac Everything. The idea had sprouted during the recording of her previous album, but nothing came of the proposition. In fact, the idea sat parked for a few years before it was revisited on the latest record, which saw Louise’s usual soprano deepened into an often brooding baritone. The sound pay-off is supremely rich and slow-moving (more often than not propelled only with a gentle drumbeat and keys), and overall, an experience to behold. 

Tonight Louise performs at the Tivoli, as a part of Brisbane Festival. The venue has transformed from its usual set up to accommodate a central stage, surrounded by couches and a lounging crowd. The configuration boasts an intimateness you would be hardpressed to find in a venue of this size, and it’s the perfect set up to house Louise’s latest offerings. 

The set starts with Underflow, a track from 2016’s Supercry. There is minimal participation from the crowd, who instead allow Louise to remain the centre of focus. She works alongside three bandmates who occupy each corner of the stage, working to recreate the worlds Louise has built. The set moves smoothly into Falling Apart and Wish You Well, both fan favourites giving the crowd their first taste of experiences Lilac Everything’s altered vocals first hand. While slightly marred with a few technical hiccups which momentarily punctured the otherwise perfect performance, both songs prove to be as elegant and emotive as I have come to know them to be.

The string of latest tracks is interrupted by the much older 1000 Sundowns, which Louise wrote when she was 16. Despite the fact it was written near 13 years ago, the track holds its own against her newer material. It comes in contrast to hit release Jungle, which Louise admits she has a “love-hate” relationship with. Jungle was a transformative track for Louise, and while I won’t pretend to understand the intricacies of her relationship with it, I respect her decision to slowly let it go, as she announces that tonight will probably be the last time she sings it live. 

The night ends on the 2014 collaboration piece with Flight Facilities, Two Bodies. Recorded in the electronic-heavy style of the Sydney duo, tonight’s set is an opportunity to see the track stripped back in a form more true to Louise. Two Bodies balances delicately between acoustic and steadily upbeat, an almost too-perfect wrap on tonight’s set. While not without its challenges, Emma Louise’s brave decision to bring Lilac Everything on stage is a move I will forever be grateful for.

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