Live Review: Gossling Bird In Hand Winery Lucy Regter

The first time you hear Gossling (aka Helen Croome) speak you realise: damn, this woman's voice is legit – a childlike, quirky head voice, something that either makes you cringe or fall in love, bravely delivered as it is on her incredibly beautiful debut record, last year's Harvest Of Gold. You may recognise Gossling from her feature on 360's hit single, Boys Like You, or more commercially, the Woolworths' use of the song about the days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - I Love You).

The Barrel Hall at the Bird In Hand Winery married perfectly with Gossling's distinctive blend of electronica and percussion, capturing a soulful stage presence. Among vineyards, fairy lights, open fires and wine barrels, the vibe of the night remained organic and elegant, complementing the warmth of the performance. Beginning the evening with one of her personal favourite arrangements from the record, Big Love had the crowd captivated and swaying, wine glasses in hand. Croome, although small and grasping an acoustic guitar almost as big as her body, held nothing back as she soared through popular tracks Harvest Of Gold and Never Expire. However, it was the stripped-back, haunting love ballads telling stories of unrequited attraction and mutual breakups that sent raw chills from the front row to the back of the room. Lovers Spat had people stop their conversations and fall into the swelling harmonies, sinking into the achingly heartfelt lyrics.

Gossling projects intimacy into her listeners. She brought people closer together through the romance of her voice and the fragments of her life shared. Putting Psychology/Sociology studies on hold for a Bachelor of Music, she revealed how her struggles as an artist have been essential to where she is now. Offering sound advice, such as “stop being such a pussy and get on with it”, the audience realises the squeaky, charming girl on stage is a woman of disguised strength and experience. 

A lush, acoustic cover of Chris Isaak's Wicked Game was a clear crowd pleaser, as couples mouthed the words and tightened their grips. Connecting to the audience through this sincere mood had the entire room engaged and wanting more. Finishing with a favourite from her 2012 EP, Wild Love wrapped up the night in lighter spirits, closing a short but bittersweet set. As the crowd dispersed, Gossling humbly joined fans to relax in the beautifully-lit outdoor arrangement, overlooking flowing vineyards on a gorgeous autumn evening.