It was one of the last hot summer nights for Melbourne (24 February), but that didn't dissuade nearly a full house causing chaos down High Street to pour into the 1,500-capacity Northcote Theatre in time to see Perth star Stella Donnelly finally launch her second album, on the first night of her national tour.
Before then, however, fellow Perth indie artist Mia June and full band were an absolute treat, and definitely one to watch.At just 19, her heart-on-sleeve astute tunes and stage presence suggest it won't be long before we'll be seeing her own headline shows.
It's been a while between visits for Donnelly and band, so a one-two punch of 2019's 'Beware Of The Dogs' tracks – 'Lunch' and the razor-sharp 'Old Man' – launched proceedings before she got stuck into 2022's 'Flood'.
The record, written while touring the country right before the pandemic, pleasingly exists in its own little world, while tackling bigger issues close to Donnelly's heart.
Moving from guitar to piano, Donnelly wasted no time getting through the title track, 'Mosquito' and 'Underwater' before bringing the crowd back with her stunning slow-burn 'Beware Of The Dogs'.
The song really underpins Donnelly's strengths; with vocals more often described as sweet and angelic, the content of her songwriting is anything but and it makes for the most delicious juxtaposition. Live, her performance and power is a force to be reckoned with.
Stella introduced 'Restricted Account' as "a song about stalking", which would have been a bit odd to get so many cheers until you know it's one she wrote from the perspective of a perpetrator. It's surprisingly pretty and fun live (she describes it as her 'Every Breath You Take' moment, too).
Not surprisingly, Donnelly saved her anthem 'Tricks' for last, which also not surprisingly had women in the room dancing and singing along.
The feminist clapback tune is not just an angsty anthem about emotional labour but a wholly likeable indie-pop song – something that Donnelly harnesses so well.
It was also a pleasure to see the avid bird watcher incorporate her pastime in her latest run of merch, which was an added bonus for the avian enthusiasts among the Donnelly fans (this reviewer included).
