Live Review: Meg Mac

Sydney rolled up its sleeves to see Melbourne chanteuse Megan McInerney, better known as Meg Mac, in all her neo-soul, R&B-fuelled glory. With no more than a self-titled EP and a handful of independent singles under her belt, the ascendant powerhouse Unearthed by triple  had sold out the Metro.

She slinked on stage wearing head-to-toe black and belted out soul-laden tunes Turning and Every Lie among others. While her vocal prowess is beyond her 25 years and seemingly from a different era, it's Meg Mac's stage presence and production that may still need seasoning.

Apart from her self-penned material, McInerney has a reputed penchant for covering songs and treated us to a couple of her most adored: a minimalistic yet haunting, gospel rendition of Grandma's Hands by Bill Withers, and the infectious Bridges from New Zealand duo Broods. She also debuted her Jimmy Ruffin cover, What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted, earning even more points for creativity with her doting fans.

Upright and centrestage is where McInerney spent most of her time, but she also sat behind her hired Wurly to perform unheard crooner Oh My God, followed by an intricate a cappella track sung in French and sustained by a looping pedal.

Accompanied by a three-piece band, Meg Mac took liberties in her musical arrangements and showcased her originality as a budding artist. We heard her commanding first song, Known Better, her brand new song, Never Be, and her bluesy piano song, Roll Up Your Sleeves — all with new life breathed into them.

An hour later, Meg Mac left her crowd pining for an encore and a promising, forthcoming debut album.