When this show was first announced, it seemed an odd coupling the lead singer of 90’s alt band Killing Heidi with an old school Ausie rock legend James Reyne, but man it so worked.
Having released her new solo album less than a year ago, with a grouping of songs written during lockdown that dealt with the whole range of human emotions from love to grief, Ella Hoopers performance Tanks lovingly brought these songs to life in a stripped back way.
Her set was beautiful and the segways of conversation between songs, often extended illuminated the rich and happy world Hooper now inhabits.
Her album Small Town Temple, is definitely worthy of a spin.
James Reyne brought his full band including back up singers for this show, which brought a big sound to such an intimate venue.
With a 40 year career there are a lot of songs to draw from and he did not leave the crowd disappointed playing all the hits, Daughters of the Northern Coast, Any Day Above Ground, Downhearted and Reckless.
Of course when Hooper came and joined Reyne on Stage for Way Out West the crowd went off.
The Boys Light Up was the highlight of the night, and even though this was a seated gig there was a lot of dancing going on at the sides which would normally happen at the front of stage, but all in all a very enthusiastic crowd who sang along kind of tune at the right places.
