22/09/17
It’s been a big year for Meg Mac. July saw the Triple J Unearthed alumni wash down the release of her stellar debut album Low Blows with a gorgeous set at Splendour In The Grass, and the announcement of a huge national tour. On Friday night, the songstress played to a sold out Enmore Theatre, just two years after sharing that same stage with fellow trailblazing singer-songwriter Jarryd James. These are Meg’s biggest headlining shows to date, and she pulled no punches.
The night began with Sydney natives Georgia Fair charming punters; and their mellow brand of indie-folk did just the trick to warm up the audience. Their hit ‘Picture Frames’ was played beautifully and received well by the crowd. Next up were Perth duo The Money War, who immediately made the stage their own. Armed with fresh single ‘Hold On’, the pair were clearly stoked to be playing, and set a brilliant tone for the evening.
By the time Meg’s band stormed the stage, the relatively easy going crowd grew visibly excited, their screams reaching a fever pitch as Ms. Mac herself appeared, a vision in monochrome. Dressed to kill in her now signature wide brimmed hat and a black cape, she wasted no time before opening with ‘Turning’, from her 2014 EP MEGMAC. It was a stunning rendition; Meg’s vocal talent is formidable.
Accompanied by backing vocalists Danielle O’Sullivan and Meg’s sister Hannah McInerney, the songs were marked by soaring harmonies, and the kind of tight performance that comes from tireless rehearsal. Meg dove into songs from Low Blows, beginning with album opener (and my personal empowerment anthem of 2017) ‘Grace Gold’.
Meg grabbed the audience’s undivided attention from the very start, and kept it throughout the entire performance. Fans were left mesmerized by her captivating stage presence and the intensity not only of her incredible singing abilities, but the depth of her lyrics. From the heartbreaking refrains of ‘Shiny Bright’ to the furious stomp-inducing ‘Kindness’, Meg’s lyrics drip with soul and heart-wrenching earnestness.
The crowd was loving every second. Meg is not a performer characterized by a larger-than-life personality, but on stage she is a force to be reckoned with. Continuing to work her way through both Low Blows and her EP, Meg brought her all, her voice never faltering as she strutted the stage. Highlights included “her October song” otherwise known as ‘Cages’, ‘Brooklyn Apartment’, ‘Maybe It’s My First Time’ and her phenomenal cover of Bill Withers’ ‘Grandma’s Hands’.
The set began to draw to a close as Meg played ‘Low Blows’, the title track of her album, followed by the absolute ferocious banger ‘Ride It’, and of course her 2015 hit ‘Never Be’, which I staunchly maintain is as fresh today as it was when it placed 11th in the Hottest 100. Almost drowned out by the adoring crowd, Meg and her band blew the roof off, bringing a breathtaking energy to the tracks. It was a pretty special show.
Meg Mac’s meteoric rise has been an absolute pleasure to witness; she no doubt will continue to dominate the Australian music scene. Her unique take on the blues coupled with her raw, honest lyrics and performance style places her ahead of her peers.
Meg will be appearing at several festivals across the country at the end of the year- if you missed this round of sold out shows, she’s even added more headlining shows in December, including one at the Enmore! Grab tickets here.
