Sia, The Transients @ TheAstor 24/11/09

Fri 27th Nov, 2009 in Gig Reviews

See digitaljunglist’s pictures here

Local electronica duo The Transients were a surprising choice for support. They were much more dance-y than expected for both Sia and the seated venue, with their synth keyboard, bass beats and breathy vocals. Perhaps some in the audience didn’t approve but they were fun and pumped it out despite only a couple of people going to the front to dance. At least some seated guests were silently boogy-ing (as much as you can in a seat). Others were chatting with the duo providing background stimulation. The familiar One Day stood out melodically and I’m sure in another setting (some kind of dance festival) they could provoke more noticeable support.

Sia is one amazing lady. At times she is childishly cute, at others emotionally stunning but at all times a beautiful vocalist. Whilst most of the set was made up by songs from her current album some people have REAL problems, we got to hear a couple new songs from upcoming album We Are Born and also some oldies (but of course goodies). All songs were impressively showcased in a simple but striking setting.

Sia and band came on stage in black suits with glow in the dark childlike drawings of themselves to perform upbeat sounding Buttons. All the glowing wobbling was visually engrossing but when they de-suited Sia informed us she had lost the glasses strap that held her big fake head on, so apparently we didn’t experience the full impact of sweeping movements usually accompanying such introductions. From then on band were dressed all in white with Sia standing out simply in black as the unassuming star of the show.

The few new songs she performed, like You’ve Changed and Clap Your Hands had a funkier vibe with band playing a more important role. Whilst some of the older songs are more serious at no times was the set depressing in any way. Sia seemed coquettish, like a bundle of fun energy who was eager to share her enjoyment of performing with us. She even pulled off forgetting the words to Lentil with her good humour and grace, and no-one in the crowd minded, in fact they were willing to help out.

Her voice can show such a range of emotion from pain to joy to ardour. On the
“emotional” side, highlights of the set were Distractions (from her Zero 7 days), Soon We’ll Be Found (along with sign language), and of course, encore Breathe Me. These three stood out because of their heart tugging abilities and her voice just soaring through the honest lyrics.

Being slightly awkward but laughing at herself was a winning combination for the between-songs banter. The crowd obviously loved her, with as many trying to fit in the area between the stage and seats as possible. They sang along at times, stood in awe at others, like during ballad You Have Been Loved (apparently dedicated to all the losers in love). Or danced, cheered, sang Happy Birthday to her cellist, you name it.

There isn’t really anything faultable about Sia’s performance and she proved she’s one of Australia’s best female singer-songwriters of the moment. She stands out for her uniqueness, honesty and the variety of songs that explore a myriad of emotions but are all performed in an endearing manner.

See digitaljunglist’s pictures here