CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.

Adelaide in the midst of a freakish heatwave continued to swelter as the temperature peaked at forty-four degrees and there was no relief for those sweating it out at Thebarton Theatre to see the exquisite Tori Amos perform. The release of her tenth album Abnormally Attracted To Sin has seen her tour to our shores yet again after taking in the US and Europe.

It’s hard to believe that a couple of years have slipped by since Tori’s last Australian tour to commemorate the release of American Doll Posse. This tour is even more unique as Tori played the show solo with her only company being her four keyboards – featuring the impressive grand piano. It was disappointing to see a half filled venue but not surprising with all the other big shows in town this week.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this show but it was a little lost on me at times. Tori looked fantastic striding out in a sensational green and black gown showing a ravishing woman and there was no doubting the quality of the performance. I’ve heard quotes bandied around since the show about – œhow can anyone get away without playing a single or recognisable hit’. Well, who could argue with Tori Amos. I think that was the main thing I struggled with during this performance not knowing the back catalogue and b-sides intimately like most of the loyal fans in the crowd who broke out in to rapturous applause when certain songs were played.

The interaction with the audience was sparing and the real only engagement with the crowd was with this comment – œyou’re fucking rocking in this heat Adelaide’ and then with the impromptu song dedicated to Adelaide. The words – œAdelaide you dirty girl, I need to take you with me around the world… I believe you are taking over me’ were quite striking and made me take notice. Even though I thought she could have engaged more with the audience, ultimately it was about the music.

The staging and minimalist lighting complemented the music and was used to great affect. I have to say one thing is that this was one of the most civilised gigs I’ve been to with fans showing the upmost respect to Tori and what was unfolding before them. The set opened with the epic Lady In Blue but it was Blood Roses and Crucify that excited the audience. B-sides by way of Flying Dutchman and Here In My Head received similar reactions. Highlights for me included the likes of Past The Mission and Under The Pink. As the night drew to a close Tori wrapped things up with Lust and Roosterspur Bridge making it a night to remember for the die-hard fans.

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS HERE.