Live Review: Bec Stevens, ISLA KA, Todd Fogarty

The arvo's proceedings were swiftly kicked into gear with local menace Todd Fogarty smashing out a punchy acoustic set. Donning a pair of homemade dog ears, Fogarty effortlessly tied his own raw, heartfelt songs in with a couple of covers, including a stellar version of Cold War Kids' We Used To Vacation.

Tasmania's ISLA KA took to the stage next to bring everyone back down to Earth, delivering an intimate, slow burner of a set with soothing vocals and swirling electric guitar. ISLA KA, again, rocking the dog ears, was the perfect choice of support to warm up the crowd and get everyone settled in for what was still to come.

Bec Stevens, stepping it up with a full homemade dog costume and face paint (some kind of running theme here?), kicked off her set with the opening track from More Scared Than Me, Three Days. Stevens has been putting in the hard yards showcasing her music in live venues across Adelaide over the past couple of years, and it certainly shows with every punter in the packed out beer garden belting along to each and every song. Halfway through her set and after the slow intro to Fuck This Up, Bec's new band Hyder Seek joined her on stage to see out the remainder of the set, ending on the band's killer upcoming single.

It can be easy to compare Stevens' vocal style to other well known Aussie songstresses, but this should not take away from her individuality as an artist. Her beautifully and brutally honest, relatable lyricism that leaves you feeling like you've been simultaneously kicked in the gut and had your heart ripped out (in an oddly comforting way), just hasn't been done quite the same before. Bec Stevens is a name you will definitely want to keep an eye and ear out for in the coming months and years.