Newtown’s The Vanguard made a fitting setting for Kristin Hersh’s intimate Sydney show tonight. The room was packed with an attentive crowd, with barely a phone in sight as the American songwriter took to the stage with little more than her guitar.
Opening the evening was Kellie Lloyd, best known as the bassist and songwriter for Brisbane indie-rock outfit Screamfeeder. Formed in 1991, the band became a mainstay of Australia’s alt-scene throughout the ’90s, releasing seven albums. Lloyd also fronts her own project, Majestic Horses, exploring the shoegaze and dream-pop influences that have long informed her songwriting. Performing solo with a selection of guitars, she offered a chance to hear another side of her work.
Hersh has an equally extensive history. Forming art-punk outfit Throwing Muses at just 14, she went on to become one of the defining voices of American alt-rock. Her solo career began in 1994 with ‘Hips and Makers’, featuring debut single ‘Your Ghost’. She has since released more than 20 records across her solo work, Throwing Muses and experimental trio 50FootWave.
Her latest album, ‘Sugar On Blackstone‘, provided the occasion for her Australian return. At The Vanguard, the stripped-back format suited the velveted room, giving the songwriting space to speak for itself.
It’s hard to think of many Sydney venues better suited to an evening like this. The Vanguard remains one of the city’s best small live music rooms, and tonight’s audience seemed perfectly happy to leave all distractions at the door.
Hersh continues her Australian tour this week, with upcoming shows at Cave Inn in Brisbane on Friday, 20 November, alongside Sarah Irvine, Grace Emily Hotel in Adelaide on Saturday, 21 November, with Naomi Keyte, and Lynott’s Lounge in Perth on Sunday, 22 November, joined by Sascha Ion.
