Gabriella Cohen provided the soundtrack to a sultry autumn evening at everyone’s favourite local The Tote. The occasion? The launch of her debut album Full Closure and No Details. Although the Brisbane native is still relatively new to Melbourne, Cohen is quickly becoming a local act to watch, supporting Albert Hammond Jr. at his recent Melbourne show and receiving praise for Alien Anthem from NME.
After support from young upstarts Hills Hoist and T.V., Cohen graced the stage to play two songs solo. Opening with the track Bitter Blues Cohen drew the beer garden crowd inside as everyone gradually huddled around the front of the stage. The album launch was a chance for Cohen to take the spotlight and as each song was performed, her confidence in the headline role visibly grew.
While Cohen’s stage banter could be improved, when it went right her natural charm was engaging and humorous. “Someone from Brisbane must be here,” joked Cohen. “People in Melbourne just look like this,” she remarked. While it did take the crowd a little longer than usual to get into the set, the talent of her backing band, along with Cohen’s gloriously drawling vocals soon made it hard to look away. The backing band’s cohesion was definitely a highlight of the show, with each member fulfilling their duties seamlessly while rocking their white shirt and black pants combination.
The wonderfully frank I Don’t Feel So Alive makes for an epic live song, with the outro featuring some sweet guitar work and even sweeter harmonies. Yesterday was equal parts gritty and ethereal and allowed Cohen to show off her incredible vocal range. The sprawling six-minute track This Could Be Love was accompanied by a horn and string section who assisted Cohen in bringing the launch to a memorable end. “I’m flabbergasted,” Cohen gushed upon assessing the size of the crowd, clearly a little beside herself to be playing a packed out show.
If the night is anything to go by, it’s clear Cohen has what it takes to become a big deal. While you may not be seeing her name pop up everywhere just yet, chances are it’s only a matter of time before you do.
Loved: The garland decorating the stage, proving that even The Tote can look pretty.
Hated: The slightly wonky table I sat at in the beer garden.
Drank: A single pint of Coopers. Going out the week post-Golden Plains is tough.
BY HOLLY PEREIRA
