Winter hasn't yet got its hands on Brisbane, held at bay quite possibly by the warmth of Kita Alexander's beautifully crafted songs and definitely held at bay by the heat of a sold out Black Bear Lodge (18 May).
Molly Millington comes out to wake up the crowd, dressed in a short red prom dress and shiny red shoes. She recounts that she wrote 'Ringmaster' at a time when she felt she had no control in her life to remind herself that she is in control after all. Another tale ensues of the time, two hours before performing at a Kings' match, she bleached her hair which proceeded to fall out, so she had to shave her entire head.
'October' is met with loud applause, and is a perfect, emotional pop song. Somewhat of a budding raconteur, Molly Millington is a pleasure to watch.
Finally the woman herself arrives to the tune of 'Can't Help Myself' under purple and green lights, and we can already see tonight will be a lot of fun.
'Ocean Blues' keeps the pop mood high under a sea of deep blue, erupting into a catchy chorus. "I'm so overwhelmed," Alexander shares. "This is my first ever, ever headline gig. I was born in Brisbane so this is fitting."
The crowd adores her, some have waited years to see her. "Who's been fans since day one?" Alexander asks. "We're going to go right back to the beginning."
2015 single 'Like You Want Me To' is a stunning song that should be in everyone's Spotify liked songs. Alexander's vocals are soft and alluring, yet she holds the room firmly in her hand.
'Plain Sight' is yet another perfect banger, written about the time she took too many edibles in LA.
Alexander then shares two songs from the new upcoming album. 'Best You've Ever Had' is a fun theme, while '7 Minutes In Heaven' is spacey and warm.
"I'm a mum, but I still feel like I've got it," Alexander shares to boisterous confirmation. She then performs the most beautiful piano ballad version of 'Stacy's Mom' that has ever existed.
'Against The Water' is a nice carry on dedicated to her husband Owen who is present, before another perfect song 'Hotel' closes the regular set far too early.
'Queen' and 'Between You & I' serve up the encore, and what a deliciously danceable dessert it is.
Alexander is instantly likeable, warm and every song is iconic. We only hope her next tour plays in bigger venues, because it's highly likely many aren't going to want to miss out on her special brand of perfection.
