A cold and wet Friday night swamps Sydney's Paddington Uniting Church, while inside a torrent of new material waits to be released as Charlie Collins launches her 'Nightwriter' album, which will be released 29 August 2025, with a play-through of the record.
Seb Szabo kicks off the night (9 May) with a voice like whiskey, which bounces off the walls. He initiates a sing-along that warms your heart, as you take in the aesthetics of fluorescent lights drifting along the stone interior.'June' was written from a nature strip, where Szabo was taking out his bins, and the song aptly reflects on life's small moments. It is a tender and melancholic track.
'Oversharing' has a nice stream of consciousness that mirrors life's complexitities, something Szabo does well. "Honey, all I want is you," Szabo sings from a perfect piece of songwriting, the crowd blending with his falsetto. Szabo is gone too soon, and it's time to prepare for the evening's star.
Smoke rises from behind the pulpit as the band assemble onstage. First track, 'Nightwriter' begins with Collins strumming alone, her impressive voice ringing across the church. "My heart on my sleeve," Collins sings with sentimentality, yet it is a momentous track that builds well.
"Thank you so much," she emotes at its conclusion. "This is so great." Second track, 'The Hardest Part' feels like a night drive in summer, as Collins' knack for lyrical emotion shines.
'All A Waste Of Time' is about an ex-boyfriend Collins announces, donning a hot pink guitar. It chugs along smoothly, the ride into the chorus particularly forceful. Collins smiles at the song's end, enjoying herself as she should.
"This song was made with Neil Finn," she announces for 'Transactional Deal', a song about the state of human relationships. It's a sonic delight that palates well.
'You Might Be A Man, Just Not Man Enough' is about high hopes that are never quite attained, an all too familiar story. It's a standout track in both writing and delivery.
"I went through a pretty rough time last year," Collins shares, "but I got a second chance at life, and I made an album!" she announces triumphantly. "This is 'Rock Bottom' baby." The song has a harder edge and showcases Collins' guitar abilities, as 'I'll Do What It Takes To Get Me Right' follows, a sister song about the upside of recovery. Collins' backing guitarist plays a memorable solo, and so far, it's a well put together album.
Charlie introduces the band, before playing solo for 'I'm Alright', a song that showed her she can write sober. It features some brilliant lapsteel to end, and hits all the right places.
'The Last 48 Hours' was written about uncovering Collins' addictive personality. It has an unexpected shuffle beat atop deeply personal lyrics. Charlie isn't afraid to speak her mind and heart.
Szabo rejoins for 'Mexico'. The two sing into one microphone, their harmonies blending superbly, and suddenly a magical evening is over.
Charlie Collins is a magnetic artist with true talent for divulging a perfect balance of intimacy without oversharing. From what was heard here this evening, the album 'Nightwriter' is worth more than one listen.
