Bertie Blackman showcases her Secrets and Lies

Band: Bertie Blackman, Hungry Kids from Hungry and Kimbra
Venue: Hi Fi Bar and Ballroom
Date: 21st August 2009
Reviewed By: Espylyn

Tonight's cold evening didn't stop a sell out crowd at the Hi Fi Bar to witness Bertie Blackman in her first show here since moving to Melbourne and 'finding home'.

Kimbra opens the show with her guitar to a modest crowd. A strong voice and funky use of textured and layered vocals made me stand up and take note. Although her techie wasn't found at one time when she needed him it didn't stop her performance for standing out and her fifties sounding vocals made me feel Kimbra could go a long way in this field. With lyrics like 'Do you wanna raise a child with me' certainly made a few men with committment issues run far and wide, but it was her pop, indie, alternative rock sound that stood out. Lapse we are told is about marriage and how couples fall out of love whilst being in marriage and her cover of Goyte's Hearts A Mess was smoothly driven. Kimbra ended the night with I Didn't Start The Fire (no, not the Billy Joel similar sounding song!). I was very impressed with her sound and I hope many people persue her gigs around town.

Hungry Kids of Hungry were next, a four piece male band and a more MMM (radio) sound. Casio pop band with two singers. Keyboardist going off on keys and tamborine and displaying a great vocal lead at times, a drummer in touch with his cruisiness and a bass player grunting as much as his guitar. Many gaps in the show with general chit chat and lots of crowd participation throughout the set. The singer lapped up the stage and seemed to love being there. A good solid crowd saw this set and they left with many punters clapping.

Enter Bertie Blackman after a snippet of the theme from Twin Peaks (love that tune), and after a 'hello' she delves straight into Thump. The stage behind her is adorned with snazzy lights which are a fantastic show throughout, and cardboard creatures hang around the stage. A swig from her pint of beer and into White Owl, a pure strong voice was showcased tonight and I am amazed at just how good her voice in live. Wearing a black long see-through dress with black bra and undies underneath she doesn't leave much for the appeasing fans. Clocks is next which for me is a dreary song and followed by some duelling keys on Lost and Found. Black Cat possesses dirty synthesizer and Byrds of Prey displays a growl in her vocals. After only 40 minutes she takes a break saying she wont be back but for those who believe her and who have their jaw on the ground, she laughs and says of course she'll be back! Bertie comes out again with a new song that she has written especially for us, an acoustic number that gets the punters hearts going. Band enter and they cover the Sting song, Something In The Air Tonight, which was covered well but way too drawn out. Bertie tells us she is living in Melbourne now and moved here about four months ago, she has been looking forward to tonight for ages, she also mentions that this is her home town now, and to any Melbournite I can safely say many people smiled knowingly to this comment. Her last song to cap off the evening is Sky Is Falling, which we're told is her favourite off the new album titled Secrets and Lies. I hear many people leaving saying what a great gig and I agree. There will be many people wishing they'd come along tonight as well and maybe next time Bertie will be playing in a larger venue.

Bertie is a great muso, she talks with the crowd, tells stories, swears and seems to have a real good time on stage, this is one girl with a great career ahead of her. Thanks Bertie and may Melbourne carry you in their hearts as well.