Brooke Addamo, aka Owl Eyes, has taken an interesting path in the music industry. After an early exit on Australian Idol, she has seemingly successfully rebranded herself and appeals to both indie kids and mainstream festival heads. She unsurprisingly sold out the Corner Hotel on Saturday night, and managed to deliver an engaging performance.
Owl Eyes’ show was more about feel than telling a story. She creates an environment where stars collapse and pixies live, at least to my interpretation. A flood of ever-bending and reverbing noise filled the room, silenced the loud crowd and handed everyone their soul on a platter.
There is definitely a formulaic song pattern throughout Nightswim, which audiences obviously engage with. Her heavy-reverb, punchy-hook constructions have a definite electro-pop-cross David Bowie feel about them. Her delay-heavy vocals have an ethereal quality, with each individual synth-laden space odyssey providing a basis for enjoying the next. There is something otherworldly about her voice, which was heartily accentuated by the half disco, half rocket-launch-at-night lighting setup. For me, the vibe created by Owl Eyes and band was the most engaging and mesmerising part of the show. It’s a real skill- to be able to transport an audience to another place, with evocative, vaporous and unearthly vocal elements.
Her drummer was a hugely enjoyable performer. This guy’s excellent timekeeping and awe-inspiring hi-hat rolls had me watching his hands blurring for much of the night.
I’m not sure Owl Eyes has hit her peak of songwriting and vocal delivery, but there is a solid foundation there; and I’m excited to hear what happens when she hits her stride. She has nailed creating and nurturing an enjoyable atmosphere, and has a handle on delivering an appropriately entertaining performance.
BY REI BARKER
LOVED: The music.
HATED: Dickhead Richmond weekend oafs punching each other’s heads in.
DRANK: Melbourne Bitter.
