Tigerlilly

Yirramboi Tigerlilly Lydia Fairhall and Kali BluntSince 2013, Tigerlilly has gone through a number of iterations, but for this special one-off performance in support and celebration of Yirramboi, it was pared down to its beating heart, Lydia Fairhall and Kali Blunt.

On a smattering of rugs while bathed in golden light, with the aid of special guest, Robert Champion, they made their way through a beautiful 10-song set of love and resistance.

There was some spectacle provided by the lights, but the show never got lost underneath them. In-between songs as she switched guitars, Lydia made nice banter to ensure the energy never dropped. All three of them were on guitar only, yet sonically nothing sounded thin. What’s compelling is how many of the songs sounded as if they were always that way.

For example, near the end of the show with Little White Dress, the conventional drums and plucky banjo-esque sections are gone, replaced by the kind of complete, rich sound that Lydia, Kali, and Robert have been curating all night.

Earlier, Fractions has been slowed a touch, the guitars playing against and with each other driving the song effortlessly, while effortlessly bringing the listener in. Tall Trees was a charming way to begin the performance, while Moreland Street proved delightfully scenic. Milk and Honey stepped up the tempo, followed by What You See In Me that featured some sublime work from Robert.

In a room full of fans, friends, and family, there was certainly nothing to prove, yet, the craft on display was wonderful. As the concert progressed, was what inescapable was the importance of home and place – of having ownership of it, regardless of whether the landscape is physical or emotional. Hopefully it’s not too long before Tigerlilly return to the stage.

Tigerlilly
Salon – Melbourne Recital Centre, Sturt Street, Southbank
Performance: Wednesday 10 May 2017 – 6.45pm
Information: www.yirramboi.net.au

Image: Lydia Fairhall and Kali Blunt (supplied)

Review: David Collins