Emiliana Torrini

It was to be an Icelandic affair at the Enmore tonight; a little over a year since Emiliana Torrini last graced Sydney-siders with her presence. On this occasion, she was accompanied by fellow Icelander Lay Low in what proved to be overtly engaging and encapsulating night for both bands and audience alike.

Lay Low opened to a hushed but very receptive crowd. Pulling her opening song to a halt midway through to make the surprised comment ‘you’re all so quiet’, she was oblivious to the fact that Australians are somewhat mesmerised by and attracted to the unusual sound of the foreign accent.

There is a child like innocence to lead singer Lovisa as she waded through a forgivably unpolished set with her band. Blending American folk, blues, and country she has developed a sound that resembles an apt mix of Patsy Cline and Regina Spektor. Simplistic but engaging, Lay Low was a subtle but a fulfilling entrée to a main course of Torrini.

Emiliana and band entered the stage wearing attire symbolic of their national dress, and the spectacle that was Torrini was gorgeous. From an unsuspecting fashion icon amongst women, with one yelling ‘I love your shoes’, to a naturalistic beauty adored by men, one asking ‘Can I have a hug?’ Her pint size frame, distinctive voice, and glowing aura ensured the crowd’s interest from the get-go. Silence and devoted attention was her reward. Absolute silence!

The crowd listened as she explained the energy behind each song as an introduction. Drawing her inspiration from every day experiences, like watching the dust settle in ray of sunshine or the delicate aroma of a storm on a hot summer’s day. Really, how can you not fall in love? She even talked about finding the right love at the wrong time which washed an air of familiarity throughout the crowd.

Mass participation wasn’t a key ingredient to this evening’s event, nor was it an occasion for a sing-a-long. Torrini’s lyrics are like a fingerprint, unique to her own life. To emulate them would seem too unreal.

Heart-stopper was played beautifully and was subtle in its engagement, as she sings ‘I drink too much and smoke too fast, this city’s cleared my innocence’. Maybe she has a more sinister life that what is portrayed, but her genuine affinity to life and relationships was apparent and is an inspiration. Often a collaborator with other artists, she is sure to credit them in her live performances, tonight being no exception. She even credited the whiskey she drank when writing the songs. Be sure to take some of the praise yourself Emiliana! After all, it is you that people have come to see.

Besides the usual backing of guitars, keyboards and drums, the addition of a slide guitar and harmonium gave some songs more of an eclectic edge to diversify the performance. It cannot be said that Emiliana and the band were extremely polished tonight, but it didn’t matter. As a plus, their imperfections made Emiliana more human and accessible to her fans. As a negative, it brought a couple of those songs that you held in the ‘perfection basket’ out to dry on the line a little. The slightly rushed tempo of Sunny Road lacked the perfect emotion of its recording. However, Birds on the other hand gave every band member a chance to showcase their abilities with great success.

Grand highlights of the evening were Nothing Brings Me Down (about Torrini’s favourite weather), Beggar’s Prayer (with her haunting harmonies), and Me & Armini. All of which received deafening applause. Jungle Drums was also a rare song that had the crowd dancing a little, allowing people to temporarily disengage their awe. But how can you not at least tap your feet to that one?

The encore allowed Torrini to show her audience appreciation. At one point she said ‘Thanks for making our trip brilliant’. But did she realise how much we valued her in return? Probably not.

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