First up for the evening was Sydney based Lucy B, who delved into a mix of originals and covers. Usually with a backing band, she perched on a stool – red high-heel platforms and all – to play an acoustic solo set.
Her originals explored stories of different people in her life, including her dad and her friend’s transition to life overseas. Lucy B’s style focuses on high-pitched, but strong vocals, and ballads, evident in her covers of The Proclaimers’ ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)’ and Green Day’s ‘Time Of Your Life.’
Andrew Lim and his band followed, with his list of feel good pop/rock songs, including new track ‘When I Say’, a more placid song – focusing on softer elements. This was also an opportunity for Lim’s debut single launch of ‘Closer Now’, which channels an emotive approach to lyrics reminiscent of John Mayer, complete with catchy hooks and guitar melodies. Lim’s music is notable for uplifting choruses and dramatic harmonies from himself and accompanying singer, Maddison Wilson.
Then it was onto Emmy Bryce, her band noticeable by wearing satin ties of different colours. This is just a little note of Bryce’s fun-loving, quirky nature, instantly recognisable through her presence on stage.
Bryce led straight into ‘Infinity & Eternity’, the track can be described as having a somewhat ‘cute’ vibe, with the lyrics, “a bottle of milk/ a bowl full of cornflakes/ we meet at breakfast time,” and backing keys that take you into the under the sea songs of The Little Mermaid.
Bryce’s tracks explore various themes, ‘Pie In The Sky’ describing her experiences of moving from the city to the country, and back again. The organ-sounding keys and tambourine assist in creating an eccentric vibe.
Of course, every set is not a set without a love song, ‘Seven Days’ being more of a sedate romance narrative, with lyrics such as, “in seven days you’ll be mine.” Guest vocalist Hannah Ackfield, joining Bryce to add layers of harmony.
Bryce continued on the path of choral harmonies with ‘I Love It When It Rains,’ her first released single. Then back into the poetic, bright tune, ‘Every Star Is A Setting Sun To Someone.’ Lastly was Bryce’s debut single, ‘Hit The Ground,’ that captures all the aspects of her sound – the light arrangement of backing melodies, combined with her spirited voice.
All of the songs follow a folk/pop sense, but with Bryce’s own colourful and cheerful aspects. Keys, percussion and short, rhythmic vocals emphasise Bryce’s specific approach. As she has said previously, “I do have ballads and I have had my heart broken with the best of them, but I like writing songs that make people happy. That’s the connection I’d like to make.” And that is exactly what she manages to do.
– Cass Savellis
