Live Review: Morrissey

With her jerky animated movements, Kate Bush-like theatrical vocal and weird and wonderful electronic samples American singer-songwriter Kristeen Young displayed immense confidence. Playing the set on her own, her often powerfully aggressive approach outplayed her vulnerability to make for a really engaging performance.

It was the sort of reception a music legend must get pretty used to, but Morrissey seemed a little taken aback with the ovation he received as he sauntered on stage. This was his first Australian tour in over a decade though and he treated his adoring fans to a wide-ranging set list with a generous smattering of The Smiths' classics amongst his solo work. That new found willingness to include the old songs was made clear from the off with as he opened with Shoplifters Of The World Unite. It also showed the rocked-out strength of his five-piece band which at times suffocated Morrissey's trademark quivering vocal. The reverb filled You're The One For Me, Fatty and fuelled-up Sweet And Tender Hooligan saw him particularly drowned out.

Morrissey appeared laid back about it all though, so much so the ease of his delivery of Alma Matters seemed almost karaoke like. His characteristic charisma was always present though and was fully exposed in an epic sounding I Know It's Over which was laden with passion. The deliberately pensive Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want and the dramatic soundtrack feel of I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris also let it come to the fore. No question the highlight was a captivating How Soon Is Now as the swirling sounds and Morrissey's casual demeanour took everyone back some twenty-seven years. As he closed with a celebratory First Of The Gang To Die Morrissey reminded everybody he still has it, and doesn't even have to try.