Emma Louise at the Metro Theatre 17/5/13 - Live Review

A small crowd that barely stretched to the sides of the stage, gathered at the Metro on a chilly, yet buzzing night. With 2 talented supports to pave the way for Emma Louise, the audience grew slowly, but surely.

From the second he opened his mouth, Patrick James arrested the hearts of the Friday night crowd. What a great opening act for the night! These Tempe boys really caught everyone by surprise. Patrick and Scotty payed homage to some real music royalty influences, like Crosby Stills Nash and Young and James Taylor. Keyboard, Glockenspiel, Banjo and acoustic guitar were supported excellent vocals and harmonies that were beautiful and moving. Their friend Hannah added some much needed female balance when she joined them on keyboard and backup vocals (later she shined again with Emma Louise). A tad of harmonica would be the icing on the cake. Patrick James’ raw talent and excellent songs have great potential.

Taking to the stage in an adorable light blue dress and spotty dark tights, Thelma Plum instantly won everyone over with her sweet stage presence. Accompanied by the very talented Andrew on guitar keyboard and vocals, Thelma shone on stage like a grown-up Cupie doll. Her first song Breathe in Breathe Out immediately captivated everyone. Oh how sweetly she swore – it was “A big fuck you to my ex-boyfriend”. With sultry and seductive tones she continued her set entertaining us all with amusing chatter and amazingly unique vocal style. Her diction can be a little confusing at times, but apart from that her style is quite her own. Her Chris Isaac cover “I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love” was spellbinding and so well supported by Andrew. Her second last number was upbeat and had the audience clapping along, but she finished her set with a slow thoughtful number ‘Apple’ which although lovely, lost the audience after such a happy number before. She never fails to please – a really interesting performer.

Emma Louise hypnotised the crowd with her mesmerising voice. It was strong and feminine, and her stage presence was confident and sexy. It is hard to take your eyes off her when she sings, she seems to be completely in the moment. The best moments were when she played self accompanied, isolating her voice and really showing her impressive vocal range and sensitive tones. Her moves on stage are distinctively unique and her ability to engage the audience and drag them along for the journey with each song was fantastic to observe. However, toward the end of her set the audience were getting loud, I think more due to the effects of alcohol than losing interest. The noise level of chatter spoiled it for the interested fans who actually wanted to listen to the performer. Emma Louise is an absolute must-see, a truly talented Aussie muso.

Written By Liza Valek

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