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Presented by ALWAYS LIVE

Live At The Gardens
featuring
TASH SULTANA
+ Coterie
+ South Summit
+ Little Green
@ Royal Botanic Gardens,
Melbourne,
24th November 2024
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Tammy Choo (@tammy.choo)

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TASH SULTANA / Photo – @tammy.choo

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As soon as I discovered Tash Sultana’s raw talent through their performance video on YouTube of their breakthrough hit “Jungle” in 2018, I was instantly hooked. Ever since, their music has been on constant rotation within my personal playlists. Though it was my first time seeing them perform live, I still had high expectations as I was well aware of how much of a gifted performer they were. In hopes of witnessing Sultana’s first headline show in their hometown since 2019, a mix of longtime fans and newcomers gathered at the Royal Botanic Gardens for the final Live At The Gardens event of 2024.

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LITTLE GREEN / Photo – @tammy.choo

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The event kicked off by featuring some incredibly talented Australian acts. First up was Little Green, self-taught musician born and raised in the Blue Mountains. Little Green’s intimate performance was a delightful journey through her musical repertoire. The crowd was captivated by her versatility in genres and instruments, from the jazzy tunes of “Mary Poppins” to the energetic punk rock of “Welcome to My Heart.” Her interactive performance, including a bouquet toss and sing-alongs, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The highlight was certainly her stunning saxophone solo in a cover.

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SOUTH SUMMIT / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Up next was the rapidly rising Perth band, South Summit. Their set was a vibrant celebration of their raw and genre-blending sound. The band’s infectious energy and charismatic lead vocalist, Isaiah “Zaya” Reuben, complete with drink in hand, had the crowd dancing from start to finish. With songs from their debut album “The Bliss” and their triple J Like A Version cover of “Roxanne”, the band tastefully showcased their influences from rock, reggae and hip-hop. The band’s laid-back attitude and swaggy beats created a carefree atmosphere. I could sense the crowd beginning to warm up at this point.

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COTERIE / Photo – @tammy.choo

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The final supporting act was none other than Perth-based, New Zealand-born band of brothers, COTERIE, whose performance was a high-energy affair, with the band bursting onto the stage and immediately captivating the audience. Their tight harmonies, catchy reggae tunes including their latest single “One More Chance”, and charming stage presence were a highlight. The band also slowed things down mid-set for their soulful R&B number “Always Beside You”, showcasing the softer side of their discography.

Approaching 7:30pm, the garden was buzzing with excitement from fans eager to see Tash Sultana. Sultana’s set began 15 minutes later than scheduled, which added to the built-up anticipation for their arrival. The performance kicked off with a touching video montage, tracing their journey from childhood and humble beginnings of busking on the streets of Melbourne CBD to international stardom. The stage, adorned with Sultana’s elaborate setup of instruments, set the scene for a sonic adventure. From the moment Sultana stepped onto the stage, the energy in the venue was palpable. Sultana’s stage presence was nothing short of electrifying. The way they exude explosive and contagious energy drew the crowd into their world. Their facial expressions clearly showed their joy and passion in music. I was astonished by how this energy was maintained throughout the show, further solidifying my impression of them as a capable performer.

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TASH SULTANA / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Sultana prides themselves as a non-genre based artist and they showcased that by curating a set filled with a blend of various genres including elements of rock, blues, reggae, and psychedelic rock. Sultana jumped straight into layering sounds on their looping station and began the set with familiar tracks such as “Mystik”, “Cigarettes” and “Pretty Lady”. Sultana’s mastery of various instruments allowed them to build complex musical arrangements in real-time and seamlessly transition between every song with such fluidity. They effortlessly switched between guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, saxophone, and even the flute, creating a rich and layered soundscape. More importantly, their raw raspy vocals were a force to be reckoned with. I was also particularly impressed that they did not shy away from tastefully incorporating auto-tune, vocal chops and a range of sound effects into their set, adding more character and depth into their songs. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly Sultana’s sensual saxophone solo, infused with jazz and blues influences. The audience erupted with applause as they brought their solo to heights.

As the sun set and blue hour creeped in, the fog, stage lights and humidity in the air created a dreamy atmosphere. Sultana shared a heartfelt message about their health struggles and their journey back to music after a hiatus. This honest and vulnerable moment further strengthened their connection with the audience. I was also pleased that they announced their plans to return to their roots and release new music next year.

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TASH SULTANA / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Sultana then progressed through their setlist with the help of their band, performing selections from their extensive discography such as “Crop Circles”, “Greed” and “Willow Tree”. They continued to showcase their second to none guitar skills and soulful vocals. Sultana also made abrupt pauses mid-song, allowing the audience’s cheers and applause to sink in, creating a few intimate moments with fans. The night culminated with the iconic “Jungle”, sending the audience into a frenzy. The crowd, a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds, was seen dancing on the fields, united by their shared appreciation for Sultana’s unique sound. Watching people ranging from young adults to toddlers to middle aged folk, grooving along to Sultana’s music was one of my most memorable moments of the night. For the second half of the song, Sultana jumped down into the pit, treating fans at the barricade with a closer view of the action. Seeing “Jungle” live reminded me of how much of a masterpiece this song is and how I was first captivated by Sultana’s talent years ago.

As the final notes faded, it was clear that Tash Sultana’s homecoming show was a triumph. It was a celebration of their talent, their resilience, and their unwavering passion for music. Though I do wish Sultana had involved the audience a bit more in their set through sing-alongs for instance, the show was still an unforgettable one for me. As this marked Sultana’s last show of the year, I look forward to seeing what they have in store for next year..

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TASH SULTANA / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Check out Tammy Choo’s (@tammy.choo) full gallery of this event HERE

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TASH SULTANA / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Follow TASH SULTANA
Facebook – Instagram – Youtube – Twitter

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TASH SULTANA / Photo – @tammy.choo

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Press Release 7th March 2024 (below) HERE

TASH SULTANA
announced for exclusive
ALWAYS LIVE
performance at
‘LIVE AT THE GARDENS’
– only Australian show –

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS COTERIE, SOUTH SUMMIT & LITTLE GREEN

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Sunday 24th November

TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY 20 AUGUST

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AMNPLIFY – DB