Sarah Blasko

Standing outside waiting to be let into the prince I found myself looking at the variety of people a Sarah Blasko gig draws in. There seemed to be a selection from every group here - such is the pull of great music.

First act on stage was The Devoted Few. I hadnt heard much about this band and wasnt sure what to expect, but they blew me away. I was really impressed with the sound coming from this 6pc band -the 3 guitars and 1 bass really added something extra. Even though most of the crowd was sitting down I think they still appreciated the music, I know I did. The standout tracks were We Burn and Nothing Ever Changes -the latter of which Sarah Blasko has done a cover of. A band to watch indeed.

Next on were Art of Fighting. I wouldnt say that I dislike this band - they are fine, but they just dont really do much for me. The crowd were really getting into them however, and gave a lot of cheers and such.

As the lights dimmed and the lanterns glowed, an air of anticipation spread among the audience. The band took their place and then she appeared. Opening with 'All Coming Back' Sarah took us to a magical place and only returned us back when the spell broke and she walked off stage at the end of the night. The band was down a bass player and a keyboardist (apparently Jess has left the band), so the lead singer/guitarist Ben from The Devoted Few took up the bass, the guitar and on occassion the keys. As someone in the crowd said "its like musical chairs". They handled it well though.

A treat was hearing the hidden track on O&S, Long Time. This is a delicate little number that soars so very high. Watching Sarah play, you almost feel guilty, like you are spying on someone through a peephole dancing joyfully in their bedroom. She has such abandon and such an inner joy that it is a marvel to watch her. You cant help but be taken into her world.

As usual, Rob and Sarah took to the stage alone for a short acoustic set somewhere in the middle, and this time they performed Will you ever know -a nice little track from the Prelusive EP. Perennial favorite Perfect Now was described by Sarah as "the most positive song I've probably ever written" and she had everyone eating out of her hands. The crowd was enjoying every minute of this performance and you wouldnt believe the adoration that went on when they started playing Flame Trees. This cold chisel classic certainly has its loud fans. The reinvention is a big one, and it works.

As the spell broke and the band left the stage for good I was left looking around the venue. As Sarah said "melbourne seems to care about how it's venues look" -the lanterns made this show all the more magical. Sarah doesnt disappoint.

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