Sydney serves up one of the coldest nights of the year so far, as the crowd gathers inside City Recital Hall where Bic Runga makes a glorious return.
She's celebrating the release of new album 'Red Sunset', 15 years after her last originals album. The red backdrop features one of Runga's eyes, searching across the crowd.
The night (12 April) begins with electro-jazz artist Silicon, who also happens to be Runga's husband. Runga enters in a stunning red dress, taking to the drums for the act, while Cass Basil assumes the electric and traditional bass.
Trees flash up in white and black on the screen, as Runga beats the drum consistently, Silicon's floating keys drifting along with a Hammond organ sound. The next track is dreamy under pink lights as the bass floods out over the crowd.
Silicon's vocals are heavily treated with a distorted sound, as the third track takes a mysterious turn. "We will be ok," Runga sings as an almost smiling face appears on screen.
Basil flows through an impressive solo, as the following track bounces along under blue lights. A disco ball appears onscreen for a stop-starty number that has patrons jiving in their seats as the set draws to a close.
The eye returns onscreen, watching, waiting. Runga's band enter in darkness, lights on the floor gently illuminating as the piano plays. Runga enters to rapturous applause.
'Paris In The Rain' builds nicely under pianist Karl Benton's expert hands. Runga whispers the choruses, inviting the crowd to lean into a delicate evening of musical interaction. It's a wonderful start to the show.
Runga picks up a classical guitar, while sunlit leaves play across the screen for 'Precious Things'. Runga sings some gorgeous high notes, and you feel safe and at home in her presence. "This is for you," she sings and it feels like it is, Runga bowing to the crowd at the song's conclusion.
"We just started our tour in Melbourne to celebrate the new album," she shares. "This is an old one about being on the road," she introduces 'Get Some Sleep', picking up her sunburst electric guitar. A moon hangs in the backdrop, as Basil's backing vocals add lush depth to a track that warms your ears and soul.
'It's Like Summertime' follows under warm orange lights, which spectacularly burst into bright yellow every time Runga sings "summertime". It's a memorable visual feast, the track smooth and delicious.
'Escape From Planet Earth' is introduced as an alternative album title, as blue skies appear. Benton plays a whirly solo on the keys that fits well.
"This is an old song called 'Birds'," Runga says next, as bird sounds begin. It is an enthralling piece with a gorgeous dramatic build in the chorus. 'Ghost In Your Bed' runs out of the gate under Kody Nielson's drumming, the lights erratically flashing blue.
It gets the heart racing a little, before red lights calm for 'Red Sunset', Runga dancing around the stage as triplets flow from the other instrumentation. 'Something Good' draws a huge cheer from the crowd, Runga strumming and picking her electric, smiling out at the crowd.
"Something good will come my way," Runga sings, and something excellent has certainly come your way. It's a timeless song. 'Bursting Through' features Runga's stunningly beautiful notes under deep orange lights, and it's the only place in the world you want to be right now.
"I hope you're not all just waiting for 'Sway'," Runga jokes. "I'm going to play two songs from the new album that I actually wrote for [2002 album] 'Beautiful Collision'. I've now finished it all these years later."
'Home Run' is a romantic song, fireworks bursting in the background, before 'Hey Little One', which is about Runga's son Ben who is "backstage with ear muffs on". It's sentimental and warm.
Runga blasts her harmonica to start 'Listening For The Weather', as the bouncy bass skips your heart along, Runga's sweet vocals bringing a smile to your face. 'Gravity' is carefree under pink lights, before the band exit the stage, leaving Runga alone for 'Drive'.
Mountains play behind, as you're drawn into a unique moment of intimacy between performer and crowd. It's a highpoint of the show and a display of Runga's talent.
"Thank you for listening tonight," she says, as the band return for the last song, 'Sway'. It's as fantastic as the first time you heard it, the crowd singing joyfully along.
Suddenly, a wonderful night is over, and as you head back out into the cold, your soul and spirit are calm and satiated. Runga is a fantastic act you should catch while you can.
