Supported by an energetic and playful Hey Geronimo, and playing to an overflowing and adoring crowd at The Rev, Megan Washington captivated effortlessly on a clear Thursday evening in Brisbane.
Ethereal, authentic, awkward and heartbreakingly sweet, she is a performer unlike any other.
Not playing at any of her usual haunts this time around, the mirrored backdrop and dark spaces of The Rev worked to her advantage, adding an element of otherworldly to the show.
Back touring and back in the spotlight with the anticipated launch of her new album later in the year, Washington is a mess of beautiful contradictions. Looking androgynous and edgy with a choppy bob and buttoned-up shirt, but sounding breathy, sexy and utterly beguiling — it is almost impossible to look away.
Her set list was a mix of old and new and opened with crowd-pleaser 'Clementine' before running through a slew of songs quite quickly. Washington appeared genuinely excited to be up on stage again and her engaging banter, complete with a slight stammer, added to the enjoyment of the evening and encouraged intelligent heckling (her favourite kind apparently).
Her voice has always been unique, distinctive and evocative and now her discography has diversified and expanded to match the depth of her vocal talents. Stepping away from the sugary indie/ pop hits of the past and moving into a darker, more vulnerable space, both styles are equally appealing.
After opening with an old faithful, Washington performed 'Who Are You', a new track from the upcoming release, and if it's any indication of her album content, there will be hordes of new fans.
Her band was stripped back and minimal at the start; simply a guitarist. Then joined by bass, keys, drummer, and for some songs a trio of back-up singers (‘All Our Exes Live In Texas’ minus a member), the set-up worked well.
Making sure she ticked off fan favourites 'Lions', 'Sunday Best', 'Navy Blues', 'Cement' and 'Rich Kids', Washington also included new material and some more obscure tracks.
After finishing, she expressed her overwhelming gratitude for her fans, (who had snaked a line around the block waiting to gain entry to this gig) and she told of her tears of surprised happiness when she saw this.
Already attractive, this level of bareness and heartfelt emotion simply added another intoxicating layer to the complicated singer. After thunderous encore chants, she came back on stage to play a stripped-back and heart-cracking version of Nick Cave's 'Shivers' before ending with 'Too Ok Not To Let Go'.
A singer with an undeniable irresistibility, it feels like Washington is truly stepping into her style, embracing her shadow side and is letting her music move through her. And from the sounds of the crowd, her fans will follow her unfailingly.
Leaving the show feeling like we had witnessed a moment when the moon appears from behind clouds, Washington left an iridescent shadow on our souls. Truly beautiful.
Photos: Amanda Starkey
