Photography by Simone Gorman-Clark
Following the release of her latest album 'Mercurial' Vera Blue kicked off her Australian tour of the same name last night at Miami Marketta.
Celia Pavey’s musical journey has come a long way since she graced our television screens on The Voice Australia some 9 years ago where she placed third. The Sydney-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist spoke on her social channels a little over a week ago, about the behind-the-scenes making of her new album 'Mercurial' saying that it was an emotional rollercoaster.
"Being an emotional person is pure, unexpectedly wild and an extremely vulnerable quality that can push and pull you back and forth like a storm, but being an emotional person I believe is a superpower and incredibly beautiful if you can learn to harness it"
I arrived at the venue early to secure my spot but the crowd had already filled the room where they were waiting eagerly to see Vera. Studio 56 was absolutely packed and I positioned myself near the sound desk. This was torture for someone who prefers to be on the barrier and I kicked myself for not coming even earlier.
The stage was set with a colourful LED screen at the back in the middle, Vera's keyboard and Tamborine front and centre and her two-piece band on either side of her. Wearing an ethereal white dress and long black boots with her bottom-length auburn hair flowing freely, the musical powerhouse that is Vera Blue captivated us with her strong and powerful yet soft and feminine presence. She radiated such Florence and The Machine vibes and over the next 75 minutes delivered a multisensory performance that was raw, powerful, effervescent and mesmerising.
She opened her set with a track from Mercurial named 'Lethal' followed by 'Lie To Me' and 'Alright Now'. The crowd favourite 'Lady Powers' guaranteed a sea of waving arms and phones in the air, to create a standout moment for me of the night.
As Vera was about to start 'The Curse' she encouraged us all to join in. This beautiful and amazing ballad was written after an acquaintance of Vera’s fell in love with a close friend and she heartfeltly described the relationship as “What happens when true love can feel like torture”.
Before singing 'Settle' Vera said to the crowd “If you know this one sing along if you don’t just feel the song and enjoy”. Everyone cheered, and the crowd song was deafening with most singing along word for word. Even those, in the minority, that was not singing got to feel the raw emotion and intensity of this beautifully written and crafted song.
The show felt like such an intimate gig despite the venue being packed and could not help but feel the raw emotion coming through the lyrics as we grooved. Vera Blue's performance is one not to be missed. The Mercurial tour now heads to Brisbane tonight, then moves to Newcastle, Melbourne, Hobart, Gosford, and Thirroul and finishes in Newtown on 17 December 2022. Do yourself a favour and snap up a ticket to one of these performances, you will not be disappointed.