KIMBRA
HUSKY
FIRE SANTA ROSA FIRE!
The Metro, 16/09/11
After Adelaide's female-fronted Fire Santa Rosa Fire! had created an impressive sound with giant bass meeting snarling guitars and synths, Husky's acoustic songs were dreamy to the point that they weren't quite as attention-grabbing as they needed to be. That is, until their final offering and radio favourite, History's Door, showed just how good a tune these guys can write. With its rumbling drums and lovely melody, it was the first standout song of the evening.
There would be many more standout moments to follow though, as Kimbra arrived on stage in a fantastic ruffled dress and set about bringing the party to The Metro. Starting with album opener, Settle Down, it was instantly clear that her show was going to be a whole lotta fun. Fun in music can be a tricky thing, as often it can come across as contrived and insincere but, as the New Zealander bounced around stage with abandon, it was obvious that she was genuinely having the best time ever. Her effervescence was complimented by her band as finger-clicking, red-suited male backing singers boogied in the background. She even managed a mid-set costume change. Looking feisty in off-the-shoulder red, she sent the female-heavy crowd into a frenzy with more tracks from Vows, most notably the disco-pop of Cameo Lover, which is surely one of the year's best singles.
Of course, Kimbra hasn't caused such a stir simply because she has a good time on stage. She oozes talent too. Her songs are expertly put together and they translated perfectly to the live arena. And then, of course, there's the voice. Holy smoke, what a voice. When this woman opens up her lungs and lets go it is absolutely breathtaking. Like poor old Amy Winehouse, it just doesn't seem possible that such a powerful and extraordinarily soulful sound could come from her thin frame. The constant comparisons to Nina Simone help nobody (how could anyone live up to such expectations?) but there is absolutely no doubt that she is a quite phenomenal vocalist. Judging by this excellent display, Kimbra is going to be a big star. Let's just hope that she can become one while remaining as interesting and diverse as she is at the moment.
Review by Bobby Townsend. It originally appeared in Sydney's Drum Media. Oh, and please excuse the terrible photo. The nasty security man made me ditch my camera before I got a decent shot. Boo.
