There’s a reason why Adalita’s show at Northcote Social Club was sold out on this night. The former Magic Dirt frontwoman and all-round entertainer looked every part the ’90s grunge goddess, and not a day over 25. Donning an oversized black shirt and dark heavy make-up, Adalita had every onlooker within the walls of the venue hanging on her – at times raw and brutal – word.
Opening the set with her seven-minute long masterpiece, Jewel Thief, she automatically drew the audience’s attention solely on her, despite the fact that she was not alone on stage. Accompanied by guitarist JP Shilo, Adalita played tracks from both her 2010 EP, Hot Air, as well as tracks from her debut LP, the aptly titled, Adalita.
For the majority of the set, there was a distinct lacking on stage, but that’s what made the performance just what it was. There was nothing to distract the audience. And even if there was, nothing could’ve distracted them. For the most part, she would pound on the bass drum that was located beside her microphone, providing the heartbeat to the majority of the set list. For a few songs, however, she reminded everyone of just who she was – that quintessential rock ‘n’ roll frontwoman that has left audiences in awe for many years. All the while, JP was there, adding that extra bit of essence to each track. But still, all eyes were on Adalita. It was difficult to not pay attention to her and the words that were coming out of her mouth with such fierce; each word obviously meaning something to her.
Ever the vegan and animal activist, it was only natural for her to make a statement, and she did through the performance of her song, Fur Seal . The track speaks of the 2006 mass shooting of 40 rare fur seals that occurred on Kanowna Island. This time it was definitely hard to not pay attention, particularly as she proclaimed “I can’t believe that forty of my friends were shot dead.”
Brutal lyricism aside, The Repairer ended the ex-Magic Dirt frontwoman’s set. Being the first single released off her self-titled record, it was no surprise just how brilliantly it was received. Not to say that this song was an exception. It was the perfect way to finish a set that left you wanting more.
Loved: A magical night with an Aussie rock icon.
Hated: Missing out on Drones’ drummer Mike Noga’s opening set.
Drank: A quiet cider or two.
