“Melbourne, I love you and thank you for being here. That’s all I have to say right now.”

This is what the lady of the hour voiced to her adoring fans at the Palais Theatre in St. Kilda, which was filled with the energy and anticipation of St. Vincent fans who had waited six years since her last Australian tour. Fans gathered to show their shared love of the artist and enjoy her long-awaited performance, making the night an even more special one, not only for St. Vincent (Annie Clark), but for everyone in attendance. 

A radiant beam of light pierced the audience, casting an ethereal glow as the infectious beats of the first song of the night, ‘Reckless’, filled the air. “I breathe you out, breathless, breathless, breathless.” St Vincent sang these lyrics and they immersed the crowd; each word enveloping them in a theatrical embrace. It was a powerful moment that seemed to embody the name of the tour, All Born Screaming, as if we were all experiencing a rebirth together at that very instant. Blinded by the light at first, but as its brilliance gradually dimmed, it was then that St. Vincent emerged, their presence at once electrifying. Wearing a cropped white t-shirt, paired with stylish shorts and a sleek belt, with edgy boots completing the ensemble, St. Vincent’s look was the ultimate embodiment of the glam rock aesthetic infused with her trademark sophistication.

St. Vincent was accompanied by a four-piece band: Jason Falkner on guitar and vocals; Charlotte Kemp Muhl on bass guitar, bass synthesizer, and vocals; Mark Guiliana on drums; and Rachel Eckroth on keyboards and vocals. Together, this collaborative effort created an electrifying atmosphere that left the audience spellbound throughout the evening. 

St. Vincent oozes confidence, captivating the audience with every movement. The guitar in her hands seems to come alive, effortlessly dancing along with their gestures as if it were a natural extension of their very being. Each note played resonates deeply, echoing the profound connection between the artist and their instrument. During standout performances of notable songs such as ‘Flea’ and ‘Digital Witness’, the crowd was spellbound. St. Vincent’s technical mastery was nothing short of mesmerizing, effortlessly intertwining intricate guitar riffs with powerful vocals. The synergy of her voice, sharp and emotive, combined flawlessly with thought-provoking lyrics. When ‘Fear the Future’ came on the band fused as one, especially when St Vincent jammed with Charlotte and Jason. 

St. Vincent expertly navigated the emotional landscape of their songs, delivering heart-wrenching lines that cut deep into the listeners’ souls. Just as the weight of those cutting moments settled in, the evocative guitar sounds echoed, sending shivers down the spine and highlighting her unique ability to balance beauty and intensity. Each performance is not just a concert; it is a powerful expression of art that lingers in the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness it.

St. Vincent has 3 more concert dates in Victoria this week, click here for more info.

Written by Adriana Perri.