GIG REVIEW: LIVE SESSIONS VOLUME 1 – ST. EMERALD 19/11 @ STAY GOLD
Last Friday saw Stay Gold host their Live Sessions showcase to a full capacity crowd. The lineup was packed with Elliot Willis, Tilly VW, Ally Rendall, Steph Strings, St. Emerald and Alex Fasso who all brought energy to the stage as the room was full of gazing eyes. If you thought it would take time for Melbourne performers to find their feet, this night would’ve proved you wrong.
I arrived at the beginning of Ally Rendall’s set where her guitar and voice eased us into the night. With some personal and breezy tracks that she described as sad but loving songs. The audience swayed and sang along to many original songs and a few covers in a set that was just the right tone and preparation for the evening.
Following Ally was Steph Strings who absolutely crushed her set. Managing to create such energy with her guitar and bass drum. Steph’s style and flair with the guitar was really able to shine in this venue as the tight dancefloor created an intimate transcendental setting for her instrumental tracks. Steph’s sets are unlike many others around Melbourne with her performances majorly consisting of extended experimental guitar sections. Although unique the crowd was completely bought into her confidence and skill on the guitar, lifting the whole venue to another level.
Following Steph was St. Emerald, who raised the energy and excitement to another level. Their set was very high tempo with songs like Sienna and Someday spread across the set, getting the crowd jumping. The band’s instrumentals were exceptional along with the crowd interaction provided by the band. The venue was able to adjust from the acoustic sets prior and accommodate the sound that St. Emerald was trying to purvey.
Lead singer Liam and drummer Nathan were excellent on vocals blending an Angus Stone vocal sound with the funky instrumentals. Liam did temper the crowd in parts stating that, “There’s always time for a sad song,” as they performed new single ‘Feels Like I’ve Already Died,’ that focused the crowd on a slower more intimate sound. These moments were fleeting, however with Liam immediately asking everyone to, “dance as badly as possible” for the next track as the drums picked up and guitars wailed. The overall energy and quality of the set left the band room extremely impressed, with some of my friends who hadn’t listened to their music eager to add them to their playlists.
