Upon announcing her Winter Secrets Tour, fans of the divine Clare Bowditch, flocked to the cosy Bakery, to embark of on lyrical journey that was full of promise and grandeur. Bowditch left her entourage, The Feeding Set, behind in this all-Australian tour, however as many found out later in the program, what lacked in numbers were made up in props and outrageous improv.

Touring with Clare Bowditch were ‘crunchy country’ rockers Hot Little Hands. Watering down their usual vibes of concrete and pop, it was much more of a soothing sensation in their set. Their peculiar, metallic birdlike headgear raised a few eyebrows as the lads stepped up. The duo, James and Tim Harvey (The Feeding Set), started the night off with Easy Way Out from their album Dynamite in Black and White. They managed to do incredibly well with only two synchronizers whilst having three members MIA. Incorporating whistling and a kazoo, they managed to hold the attention of the crowd with a few laughs. A bell was rung every fifteen minutes or so to indicate a beer break, which was carried on into Bowditch’s act as well. Harvey warmed the crowd during one of their bell breaks, as he stumbled with a “We love it here in…uh, Perth!” – it was a Friday night after all. Hot Little Hands’ talent was clear as they went from ‘the girly songs’ to their rocking songs, impressing the early punters with their versatility.

After a momentary interval, and with a charming smile, Clare Bowditch graced the stage, and fans cheered on as she promised that the night was all about experimentation. She launched her set with When the Lights Went Down from her album The Moon Looked On. Like a conductor, she transformed the crowd into an instant choir in Divorcee by 23 however the harmonizing of the audience was deplorable to say the least- again, it was a Friday night after all. Next on the bill was the auspicious Lips Like Oranges which was inspired by Bowditch’s trip to Mexico and upon seeing the holy grail of holy grails, the Corona Factory -or as the fire-kissed songstress described it ‘equivalent to a trip to Bundaberg.’ Many joined in for the chorus as Bowditch took the reins again and hoisted the crowd into her very own personal back up choir.

When Bowditch announced this Winter Secrets Tour, she also gave the opportunity for musically talented individuals to join her on stage and the lucky winner in the Perth leg of her tour was a Thornlie resident and flautist, Jasmine. She shyly joined Bowditch on stage and sang Your Other Hand with her, and even had her own flute solo that caused a frenzy in a section of the crowd. After the duet, Bowditch met with confused stares as she tied her hair in a pot-plant style and threw on a pair of Bono sunglasses before announcing that she was taking a time out to the 80s. With a handy retro Casio keyboard by her side, she took this opportunity to do some improv- hilarity ensued.

Bringing back Tim Harvey, Bowditch kicked off favourites I Thought You Were God and You Looked So Good before asking James and Jasmine back on stage, and two eager members of the crowd for a rendition of Paul Kelly’s From Little Things Big Things Grow. She finished the night off with Between the Tea and the Toast with the intriguing additional prop of a teapot, where the spout was used as a mouthpiece. She left the crowd awe-inspired with her unique flair, charismatic charm and her Siren of a voice, which made sure that it was a night not soon forgotten.

Check out Ali’s photos of the night HERE