This was my first visit to the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts. We enjoyed a couple of drinks before the show in the foyer, and the bar prices were very reasonable ($5 for premium beer, and $8.50/$35.50 for a Barossa Shiraz). The show took place in the performance space which was set up with cabaret style seating down the front with theatre style seating behind that (off course I was sitting down the front, second row of tables left of centre for the best view). This created a great relaxed atmosphere. The sound was superb, just to prove to all those n00bs in most live music venues that loud is very rarely best (exception Mogwai), it’s the correct mixing that matters the most.
Andrew Morris
I have only recently reviewed Andrew Morris for a December gig, however his performance this time was a much more relaxed solo acoustic set. He had a selection of 2 or 3 harmonicas to accompany his guitar. This time he had a fixation on beer, throughout the set he kept looking for his beer on stage. I am sure this led to him mentioning some of the guys sitting up the front were “hitting the Golds” which led to Channel 10’s Beach Cricket and to Australia’s current losing streak, he promptly stopped himself and said “we’re here for music”. I think I liked this set better than the one I saw in December at The Zoo. The main highlight was when Andrew Morris completed this set with “Let It Roll”. I guess nothing really struck me about Andrew Morris’s set, it was a good performance. I am just a bit indifferent to this particular genre of music.
Performance 7.5
Technical 10
Kate Miller-Heidke
Kate Miller-Heidke commenced her set with the opening track from her second EP (Circular Breathing) “Out and in”. Immediately following the rest of band took their positions on stage. Kate Miller-Heidke is a phenomenal performer. Her voice is pure and operatic. There was only 2 other hits from Kate Miller-Heidke’s previous EP’s namely, “Space they cannot touch” and “Apartment”. The rest of the set was filled with new songs from the upcoming album and live favourites. One of the major highlights was when Kate Miller-Heidke played tribute to Britney Spears (current perils) with her own version of “Toxic”. This version of Toxic was outstanding, crossing genres from pop to a bit rock to heavy rock to Kate Miller-Heidke’s own style. The boys (Keir and Scotty) seemed to really enjoy the chance to rock out during the heavy rock section of “Toxic”. A Kate Miller-Heidke set would not be complete without “Australian Idol” and “Psycho Killer”, and a costume change. The costume change gives Keir Nuttall a chance to entertain the crowd this was done with a little number called “Piece of shit”, which involved calling a lot of things a piece of shit (e.g. James Blunt, Nickleback), and finishing on one everyone can agree on “Paris Hilton, silly tart”. Just before Kate performed “Little Adam” she informed us of her upcoming debut album to be released in June, would be titled “Little Eve”.
A great use of lights through out the set helped establish the mood (and comedy) of the performance (e.g. green lights used during “Australian Idol” and red lights used during “Psycho Killer”). No digital media can ever do her justice. If you can get along to see Kate Miller-Heidke live just do it. It will be a night to remember.
In the mean time be sure to catch Kate Miller-Heidke on RocKwiz on SBS TV this Saturday 24th February 9.20pm performing “Australian Idol”, I quote, “in what will be it's ONLY television airing” and a special duet with Paul Dempsey (from Something for Kate) of a 1980’s hit for Wham!
Performance 10
Technical 10
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