Alex Lahey @ The Rosemount Hotel
w/ Stella Donnelly, Carla Geneve
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Alex Lahey may have had Perth Traumatic Stress Disorder in the past, but she certainly didn’t after this great show. After a successful tour earlier in the year and the recent release of her debut album I Love You Like A Brother, Lahey returned to the delight of many.
It was always going to be a good night, with excellent local supports Carla Geneve and Stella Donnelly on the bill, but what truely made it great was Lahey’s clear love for Perth, making the show feel like a euphoric celebration.
Carla Geneve played a terrific opening set. With her lovely voice and Australiana songs, which included many references for locals to pick up, Geneve gained many new fans that night, including myself.
Next to take the stage was the always wonderful Stella Donnelly, who captivated the audience from the first note. Its hard to go to a show and not see Stella these days, but with a voice like hers, I don’t think anyone really minds.
Alex Lahey opened with recent single Every Day’s The Weekend, which seemed quite apt considering it was a Thursday night show, followed by EP favourite Wes Anderson and local favourite Perth Traumatic Stress Disorder, earning cheers from the crowd each time she sung the line “Perth is lucky that she’s pretty.”
The crowd were just as eager to sing album cuts as they were singles, and old EP cuts were also celebrated including L-L-L-Leave Me Alone. This city clearly loves Lahey as much as she loves it.
Between songs, Lahey told the fans about MVPs of previous shows, including one girl who had three different tinder dates occurring at the one show, and another girl who told her partner that she loved him for the first time during one of her songs. She also introduced us to an excellent new word semi-created by Oscar Dawson (Holy Holy), which was often used in replacement of dickhead.
The show became truly euphoric when Lahey brought out her Like A Version of Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn. Massive singalongs ensued, and it proved that Alex breathed new life into the classic that would help even indie kids enjoy the song for years to come.
Current single I Haven’t Been Taking Care Of Myself ended the main set for the night, and as Lahey walked off stage, fans felt confused about the whereabouts of hits Let’s Go Out and You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me, but Alex returned quickly to play these songs in her encore, leading the crowd into a frenzy of dancing, jumping and weird moshing.
Alex Lahey’s show felt like a celebration of our city, and seeing her absolutely shred out epic solos was so inspiring. A well curated setlist, tight band, funny anecdotes and an excellent crowd all round.
KIERRA POLLOCK
Photos by lostwithoutatrace Photography
