Concert Review: Julia Jacklin – Hollywood Cinema March 1, 2019

0

Julia Jacklin proved that she’s no one trick pony after unveiling her new songs to a very appreciative crowd at Auckland’s Hollywood Cinema.

Its been two and half years since Sydney-based singer songwriter caught the ear of discerning music fans with the release of her debut album, Don’t Let The Kids Win, recorded at Ben Edwards’ studio in Lyttelton.

The now 28-year year old emerges with her anticipated followup, Crushing, released just a week ago, and judging by the critical response, and the reaction from her fans last night, Jacklin has exceeded expectations.

As borne out in songs such as Turn Me Down, You Were Right and Head Alone, Julia’s songwriting has reached a new level of sophistication, giving her fans intelligent, complex and revealing insights on modern sexual politics.

“I’ll say it til he understands, you can love somebody without using your hands”, she admonishes and educates a lover during the triumphant Head Alone.

Last night’s show began with Body, also the opening track to Crushing, a claustrophobic song beginning with the ominous line, “The police met the plane”…and based on a real life experience.

Next came 2017 single, Eastwick, which found the audience cheering the singer on as the song built to its climax.

“Hey guys, how you going?” Jacklin asked greeting her fans.

She and her audience seem to have an easygoing and comfortable relationship. Friendly greetings and requests were shouted out from the floor and Jacklin asked for help with the lyrics to Motherland, a stately, soaring tune from her first album.

She didn’t need any help, although she did have a fine band with her…four musicians who also play on the new album. They are guitarist Blain Cunneen, drummer Clayton Allen, Harry Fuller on bass and keys and Georgia Mulligan who contributed backing vocals and keyboards.

After asking if they had listened to the whole album, Jacklin treated the crowd to an intense reading of Turn Me Down, but not before a brief false start. By the time the song came to its dramatic conclusion, the audience stood in stunned silence before breaking into applause.

By the end of the 13-song set, fans had heard eight of the 10 songs that comprise Crushing, making a case for it as one of this year’s finest.

For the encore, Julia slipped back to Hay Plain, a lovely, poetic  number from Don’t Let The Kids In, ending the evening on a high note.

Marty Duda

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Ivan Karczewski:

Julia Jacklin set list:

  1. Body
  2. Eastwick
  3. Leadlight
  4. Motherland
  5. Don’t Know How To Keep Loving You
  6. Turn Me Down
  7. Don’t Let The Kids Win
  8. When The Family Flies In
  9. Good Guy
  10. You Were Right
  11. Pool Party
  12. Head Alone
  13. Pressure To Party
  14. Hay Plain

 

 

Marty Duda
Latest posts by Marty Duda (see all)