It's a balmy summer night in Brisbane, and The Triffid (17 February) is swarming ahead of Soccer Mommy's appearance.
Local artist Felivand gives her all through her soul-pop tunes, and it's refreshing to see a live band sans backing tracks.'Big Little' ends with a funk-driven bass solo and it's feeling especially summery in here. 'Ebb And Flow' builds gently but firmly, and bursts into the final chorus. The band is exceptionally tight, the drums and bass are standouts.
"Where were you? Where were you?" Felivand calls out mournfully, and the atmosphere is spellbinding. She is a class act.
Felivand - image © Harrison Innes
Finally, Soccer Mommy, aka Sophia Allison, takes to the stage with a purple backdrop and warms the crowd with 'Bones', a beautifully expressive song that touches your heart.
'With U' continues the soulful vibe, and the song ends with a dissonant guitar ringing out. 'Circle The Drain' pairs deeply personal lyrics with a catchy pop progression, and the guitar riffs are infectious.
"Whenever you want me, I'll be around," she sings from 'Shotgun', and the crowd sings enthusiastically, as an intense drum solo builds the song's end.
Soccer Mommy - image © Harrison Innes
'Crawling In My Skin' serves up more delicious riffs, before a wondrous cacophony explodes via Allison's guitar. 'Unholy Affliction' is dense and dark as purple and green lights flash out, while 'Darkness Forever' simmers darkly under red and orange, before the guitar aggressively screams out and the lighting changes to blue bursts.
The iconic western guitar riff of 'Feel It All The Time' rings out and you're instantly transported to a small, southern town driving around in your friend's truck.
'Scorpio Rising' meets with cheers from the crowd, and is a cuddly tune about romance. It breaks into a sunny instrumental with guitar screaming atop.
Then Allison is left alone onstage for 'Still Clean'. She sings: "Left me drowning, once you picked me out your bloody teeth," as the forlorn guitar calls out. "What is a dream but a light in the darkness," she asks, still solo, for 'Newdemo', as a single, gold light beams out from the surrounding black.
Soccer Mommy - image © Harrison Innes
Allison's ability to convey deeply personal ideas seems best highlighted in the quiet songs, where the words speak for themselves. 'Yellow Is The Color Of Her Eyes' is melancholy and touching, before the obligatory stage exit.
Back for the encore, where 'Don't Ask Me' ends in another frantic array of sound, before 'My Dog' draws rapturous applause from the crowd. The riff is memorable and the lyrics well worn by the avid patrons.
Allison has clearly tapped into a nerve with her audience, many of who danced like it was the night of their lives. There is a desperate sincerity in her lyrics and delivery that breakdown defences and unite in common experience.
Soccer Mommy - image © Harrison Innes
The oscillating nature of the set's dynamics was, at times, disorienting, but in the quieter moments, the brilliance of her delivery was captivating, and heartbreakingly raw. It would be impossible to walk away saying you didn't relate to the songs in some way, and even more so to say you didn't feel anything at all.
More photos from the show.
