Live Review: Luluc, Slow Dancer, Leah Senior

What is usually considered one of the biggest faux pas in concert-going, sitting on the floor, just feels right at a Leah Senior show. The Melbourne singer softly introduces her tunes with a near-whisper, but her heart-wrenching vocals immediately cut through her shy exterior. Joined on stage throughout by her sister, Andi, the pair harmonise to perfection while airs of Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks swirl into the content crowd. Senior's immense musical proficiency shines through in the sublime We're The Ones Who Visit The Graves Of The Rockstars, stunning those fortunate enough to be in attendance.

Sandwiched between the night's more subdued acts is the reverberating guitaristry of Slow Dancer. Appearing tonight in trio form, the Freo-born singer is backed by a pair of smooth fellow-musos, grooving through a set of west coast indie tunes. While clearly a talent to behold, Slow Dancer (aka Simon Okely) falls victim to repetition and tedium by set's close. With little variety to his style, Okely becomes buried beneath a constant whir of surf-pop that unfortunately offers little room to develop throughout the gig.

With the last of the punters shuffling into the sold-out Northcote Social Club, Luluc glide onto the stage. Slowly bobbing to the mix of guitars and loops, the dulcet duo take the crowd in their fingers and grip tight with haunting melodies and ominous tones. Fresh from a stellar run of shows with alt-rock stalwarts Dinosaur Jr, Zoe Randell and Steve Hassett are more than ready to prove themselves worthy of a headliner gig.

Randell emits a warm glow of Gillian Welch in Little Suitcase, while Hassett himself could rival Dave Rawlings on the guitar. This perfect coupling in Luluc, a delicate matching of subtle vocals and complicated musicianship, is truly what makes the pair such a joy to observe. While such an emotionally raw performance can often be a draining one, Luluc manage to simultaneously be as hilarious as they are heartbreaking. Randell gives an insight into touring life with faultless ease, and Hassett humorously interjects with an tale about a "gear war" he had with J Mascis during the aforementioned tour.

A scattering of new material enthrals the fans, a palpable anticipation for the upcoming release that will be sure to amaze. Tangled Heart and Passerby send the sounds of Luluc into the stratosphere, and the insides of all present are warmed to the greatest degree. This is a pairing for the ages.