The Gov hosted two of my favourite vocalists on a Thursday night that deserved way more people in attendance. Set up cabaret style, the intimate crowd gathered for Kylie Auldist and Aaradhna got one impressive show that would ultimately have a dance party happening but for everyone else who stayed in or remained unaware that this show was even going down, head to Spotify, Apple Music or whatever streaming service you use and start your education on these two – do it now.
Let’s start with Aaradhna. For many islanders, you’re likely to be aware of the vocalist from NZ – since 2006’s I Love You, Aaradhna has been on my radar but I’d never been able to see her perform until this tour finally brought her through town with her latest album, Brown Girl. Taking to the stage accompanied by a guitarist, Aaradhna was quick to command the attention of those who had arrived early; her onstage demeanour indicated a shy charm but as soon as Aaradhna began to sing, it was like watching someone different entirely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnAFtNksXDE
Her in-between song banter told stories behind songs like “Drunken Heart, Smokey Mind”, “Devil’s Living In My Shadow” and “Lorena Bobbitt”, while her new album’s title track “Brown Girl” really hit hard. As a new member of the Golden Era Records family, Aaradhna stands to become introduced to more crowds out in Australia as 2017 rolls out and honestly, it can’t come quick enough.
For Auldist, she has long held a great relationship with fans in Adelaide and by the end of the show, it felt more like a catch up or long overdue hang out with a friend who also just happens to be a dynamite vocalist and performer. With two bandmates, and a smile to kill, Auldist took us through a headline set of music that just urged people to get out of their seats. Up on stage, she too was dancing – taking us through the recognisable radio hit she’s currently on with Cookin’ On 3 Burners and Kungs in “This Girl”, Auldist’s voice and energy treated The Gov as if it was any other heaving club. As one of our best voices in soul and funk, Auldist’s return was the injection of warmth and musical richness I know I needed that week and going by the reactions of the others in the venue, the feeling was mutual.
With Auldist’s and Aaradhna’s ‘Dancefloor Diva’ tour continuing through to Western Australia before coming back through Victoria at the end of the month, there’s still a few opportunities left to see these two absolute queens do their thing. Don’t miss out.
The reviewer attended the performance on November 3rd. Kylie Auldist and Aaradhna are playing the following shows:
November 11th | The Rosemount Hotel, PERTH
November 12th | The Odd Fellow, FREMANTLE
November 17th | Sooki Lounge, BELGRAVE (Aaradhna not appearing)
November 25th | Queenscliff Music Festival, QUEENSCLIFF (Aaradhna not appearing)
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