Live Review: KT Tunstall

KT Tunstall dabbled in busking earlier in her career, the influence of which is most evident in her live performances, even after a decade-long career. The Scotland-born, American-bred singer cultivates a larrikin essence on stage that can only be borne out of the busking experience. Tunstall knows how to capture an audience's attention, and she sure knows how to keep it as well.

Having initially joked about her 'very cheap' band, Tunstall launched into an active solo set that proved she could make a room move, band or not. With an array of past hits thrown into the mix, as well as fresher material from her latest release, Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon, Tunstall kept the vigour in the room at an impressively high level throughout the night.

From the bittersweet Other Side Of The World, a song about the difficulties of long distance relationships, to the foot-stomping Black Horse And The Cherry Tree (effortlessly mashed into The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army), which Tunstall nailed with just a loop pedal and her guitar, it was a night of diverse musical talent.

It seemed that Tunstall's mission was to constantly try to mix things up within her set. Whether it was her covers of Atoms For Peace's Default and Bryan Adam's Summer Of '69 or her jumbled attempt at playing a novelty Japanese wood instrument she had bought recently in Japan, Tunstall delighted the audience with the ease of an old friend.

The playful banter shared with the crowd was a highlight in itself, cheekily calling out on a male fan's deep voice and impressing the audience with her ability to replicate the sound of a trumpet with her mouth. It was obvious that Tunstall thrives in a live setting, and she absolutely shone through this performance.