MontaigneIt cannot be impressed enough how important it is to get to gigs early. After all, you're paying money for a night of music, not just the headliner. If you don't come early, you will miss out on acts like Hannah Makk. From the Brisbane group MKO Sun, Makk, in solo mode, is nothing short of exceptional. Her voice sounds like honey, mixed with flowers, and she delivers songs with passion and poise. The whole room was delightfully quiet for her well received and beautiful set.
ADKOB (A Different Kind Of Busy) are a local four-piece on the rise. After announcing that they "are not a sit band", we got up close and personal with this talented group. The use of sticks on metal stands, keys and a consistent bass drove their offbeat sound. It's hard not to move to them, but work may be needed on their quizzical banter.
There is no brighter star on the horizon than Montaigne and it is only getting brighter. Her presence on stage is nothing short of hypnotic. She sings mature songs with a youthful exuberance and passion that is infectious. "It's so great to see people singing along on this tour," she declares as we raise our singing voices for tracks like Pontius Of The Past and Life.
One could argue that Montaigne's version of Sia's Chandelier is superior, but it would overshadow the fact that Montaigne's songwriting ability is strong enough to stand alone in a musical sea. We are promised that a debut album will arrive "mid-year" and are treated to a couple of new morsels.
Her producer and writer-in-arms, Tony Buchen, joined Montaigne on stage for Clip My Wings as she announces that he'll be leaving for LA. Our journey with Montaigne, however, has just begun as she rounds out with I'm A Fantastic Wreck and the outstanding In The Dark. Buchen declares that we are watching "..the future of pop, right here..". He's 100% right.
