Hot off the back of her third album Wild Things, Pip Brown took her brand of electronic pop to the Howler stage, playing to an excited, sold out crowd in her first Aussie shows in three years.
Brown set the tone for the show, which heavily featured material from her most recent album, with two tracks from Wild Things, The River and Golden Girl. Taking up her guitar for Another Runaway triggered a resounding cheer from her audience. Now clothed with her instrument, she came to life on stage, the quality and feel of the show lifting dramatically. Her voice seemingly settled, and her strong vocals had a chance to shine. Ladyhawke is a far more mesmerising act when playing instruments alongside her strong voice than without.
From there on, even when putting down her guitar, the kiwi songstress was so much more at home on stage than she had to start, seemingly fallen into the live swell and letting the waves of music swirl around her. She’s a natural on stage with her guitar, and her chilled attitude, striking in its effortlessness.
Magic was a soaring highlight of the set, with Ladyhawke’s strong vocals rising to their most excellent height. Back of the Van was another standout, as was Love Don’t Live Here, with the audience singing loudly and her voice remaining flawless. The lights picked up alongside her, adding to the atmosphere of the show.
The stand out tracks were placed among less impressive songs, and the sameness of the sound became uninspiring as the show began to wrap up.
Though Brown’s music is full of good vibes, and her voice so beautiful, there was a lack of diversity throughout the set. Ladyhawke’s music is undeniably poppy and bright, with her voice a moody contrast. Though the contrast, and her self proclaimed ‘happy sad’ style, is at its best absolutely brilliant, that same style can come across as lacking effort at times. The performance was missing the depth and dynamics that could have made this a more interesting show.
Ending the night with My Delirium, the energetic song was a fitting closer. The hit showcased all the best parts of her performance, from the impeccable musicality, to her moody voice standing out in all the right ways.
BY CLAIRE VARLEY
Loved: The contrast between her sad and brooding voice and the happy, energetic pop
Hated: The lack of diversity in the sound
Drank: Half a bottle of red wine at dinner before the show
