Aluka, Soursoup, TobiasCummings @ Bella Union Bar,Melbourne (15/07/2010)

Mon 19th Jul, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Claire Bowditch is quoted on Aluka’s website as saying, “If they get any better, I am definitely going to have to fire them.” Before a tightly packed Bella Union Bar, this level of acclaim was certainly validated as the girls from Aluka stunningly presented tunes from their self-titled debut EP.

The same website lists Rachael Head, Sally Mortensen, Annabelle Tunley as having been “perpetually frustrated by the false notion that you are either a “singer” or a “musician,” and that a solo vocalist “was somehow less of a technical artist than someone with an instrument in their hands.” Regardless of their foundations though, what is certain is that Aluka’s live performance must be seen to be believed.

Despite a few early mic and sound issues, supporting acts Soursop and Tobias Cummings brought a humble and happy quality to the room, testing the audience with a range of techniques –including the oxymoronic mini megaphone – and eased the scattered bodies (who ranged from sipping spice wine at the bar to sprawled across the wooden floor) for the leading ladies.

After cigarettes and post work conversations were abandoned, the room silenced instantly to welcome the well-tuned trio, with opener Pull the Plug met with rapturous applause. Their second song, Woman, led the room to fall into a simultaneous shiver; the type you get when a moment is just perfect.

Between songs, Mortensen, whom we were informed was being farewelled to pursue dreams abroad, was defined as ‘the rose between two thorns’; symptomatic of the trio’s quirky on-stage demeanour. Though they are raw, lovely girls; a sick part of your consciousness wanted them to hit a wrong note, just to verify such sound was really a human product.

Sadistic side thoughts aside, the audience remained totally enthralled as pure notes continued to echo around the cosy room. The unity between the three was palpable and it was hard to extract one voice from the next.

Aluka humbly admitted their surprise at the amount of fans that had arrived to see them, yet those present continued to listen unwaveringly to tracks such as Warm as Toast and Looking Around, the latter written at a festival in a moment they sought not to return home. But perhaps the best testament to Aluka’s vocal versatility was when close friend Matt Gurders was unknowingly beckoned onto stage to provide beat boxing for a concluding track.

Mitch, ‘the sound guy’, was also thanked; the girls clearly so fond of him that they felt it necessary to inform other ladies present that he ‘enjoys long walks on beaches,’ just in case anyone was interested.

As well as entering into a musical realm that I am certain few are familiar or appreciative enough of, we also became privy to an intimate and tear splashed goodbye; ‘a bittersweet farewell,’ as one remaining Aluka said.

The final song was ‘Sal’s brainchild’ and sung in her honour. We were told she was ‘quirky, weird – and weird is a good thing, because if you’re not weird, you’re boring – creative and kooky’. Extended applause and cheers again ensued and, after having spent an intimate few hours together, the crowd parted ways.

Most importantly, the night’s proceedings served as a reminder that good, nay, great music, can always be simple.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT HERE