Dreamy and soothing, Cypher, in duo mode, layers electric guitar, keys, beats and the earthy vocals of songwriter Faith Ty. She sounds far older than her 16 years, and was a finalist of a triple j Unearthed High competition last year for good reason. She knows her way around a hook, like in Child – “Little do they know I'm not afraid of the dark” – and new song Pretend shows a strong groove. Her inexperience shows only in the unfinished feel some songs have, with a hook and beautiful texture but without further exploration. This will no doubt come with time. There is talent aplenty here, and Cypher is definitely one to watch.
A looped version of Massive Attack’s Teardrop slowly unfolds and in the final moments we see the full power of Wintergreen’s voice – and it raises goosebumps.
Artist Rose Wintergreen (yes, her actual name) has been based in Melbourne of late, but returns to her hometown Brisbane for the final date in her tour. Leaving her band behind and nursing a busted guitar from the flight, she plays on a borrowed six-string, and with accompaniment from local lass Kathryn Mckee on keys and cello, a percussionist also jumps on stage a few times. Opening her set solo with a loop pedal, Wintergreen showcases the highlight of the afternoon: her voice. A simple eerie vocal bed is created, and she silences the room with the first few notes. The loops don’t appear much for the rest of the set, which is a shame, as there is a freshness to the performance when she uses them. Instead she sticks to her folk roots – minimally-played guitar and ukulele, confessional and conversational lyrics and an earnest, eccentric stage manner.
At one point Wintergreen reminds us to breathe, and gets the audience to stand in a ‘power pose’ with hands on hips, a surreal and fun moment. The pacing of the show is a little awkward and slow-moving at times, but this doesn’t detract from its high points. Pillow is a sweet love song about inhaling a lover’s scent, aptly exploiting the cello in the arrangement, whereas Lonely Planet is more sultry and hypnotic in its declaration of love. A looped version of Massive Attack’s Teardrop slowly unfolds and in the final moments we see the full power of Wintergreen’s voice – and it raises goosebumps. Newly-launched single This City closes the set and shows a new writing direction. It boasts samples and electronic production, lending a lightness that helps balance the darker subject matter.
