News: mX Melbourne Concert Review (September 11, 2007)

Lucy also sent in this positively gushing review of the first Melbourne concert that appeared in the Citybeat section of the September 11th edition of Melbourne’s ‘mX’. (Alas, this publication does not appear to publish their content on the web.)

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Gig-o-byte

‘There were no theatrics, no suckling pigs being breastfed on stage nothing to distract from her music, which, even at its most stripped-back and raw, is mesmerising’

She’s a philosopher, a healer, a businesswoman and the founding member of an anti-sexual assault network.

But most of all she’s a performer.

And if you believe music bible Rolling Stone, Tori Amos is one of the top five live performers of all time.

She certainly lived up to this at last night’s first Australian show at Hamer Hall.

While apologising for coming back to Australia so soon after her last tour, Amos hinted she would be taking a break from her hectic schedule after this tour.

So, last night, she gave it her all.

There were no theatrics, no suckling pigs being breastfed on stage nothing to distract from her music, which, even at its most stripped-back and raw, is mesmerising.

She both caresses and punishes her piano, like drawing a lover close in a moment of passion and flinging them away in rage the next.

The 43-year-old has a cynical view of the world; particularly the world at war and the leaders who perpetuate the ongoing crises, and she has never backed away from sharing her feelings through music.

Amos adopted five alter egos for her latest and ninth studio album American Doll Posse Santa, Tori, Clyde, Isabel and Pip which signifies her diversity and depth of talent as a performer.

And we only met two of them last night, but Amos is well known for changing her set list from show to show.

She pulled out the tunes she is famous for, including Cornflake Girl and Winter as well as a selection of new tracks from her latest album, including Big Wheel.

In the eyes of the hardcore fans at last night’s gig, Amos could do no wrong.

They cheered and screamed when she straddled her piano seat to play her trusty Bösendorfer and an organ keyboard at the same time.

No easy feat, but Amos did it flawlessly. And sang at the same time.

Fans also loved her impromptu song about not being able to find her favourite breakfast treat, LUNA bars, in Australia, showing the serious Ms Amos also has a fun and flippant side.

While a Tori Amos concert is not for everyone, you’ll never see a performer like her.

Tickets for tonight’s show from ticketmaster.com.au

Andrea Beattie edits Citybeat.