Live Review: Ali Barter, San Mei, Fan Girl

Imagine the rocking swagger of Catfish & The Bottlemen with the added charisma of Muse's Matt Bellamy and you have Melbourne group Fan Girl. Playing a number of tracks from their debut album Elephant Room, the rollicking spirit of Fan Girl is brought to life at the Corner. 

A yet-to-be-released single, featuring a straightforward alt-rock angle and sporting a funky bassline, signals where the band plans to go next. If only vocalist Noah Harris wasn’t restricted to the small stage of the Corner Hotel – he seems prepared to climb atop speakers or crowdsurf. By the time they reach closing number, NoLita, Fan Girl are met with rounds of applause and whistles.

Fan Girl @ Corner Hotel. Photo by Renee Coster.

Emily Hamilton aka San Mei is no longer a bedroom-pop star. Soldiering on through a cold, she and her wonderful band rip through standout singles Love In The Dark, Something Good and Heaven. However, it's the unreleased tracks that have punters young and old grooving. San Mei has undeniable chemistry with her audience and it shows. A new ballad sung by Hamilton and drummer Sarah Mills is absolutely beautiful. Mills is eye-catching because she's clearly having the best time out of everyone on stage.    

San Mei @ Corner Hotel. Photo by Renee Coster.

Ali Barter opens her headline homecoming set with Backseat, the one love song from her new album, Hello, I’m Doing My Best, instantly sending the packed Corner Hotel into a frenzy. As Barter rips through songs new and old, it’s clear that not only do her songs resonate with crowds, but that she belongs on stage. After the release of her debut album, A Suitable Girl, Barter said that she felt uncomfortable on stage and with herself. She doesn’t appear to have that struggle anymore.

The solo suite of January and It’s Not Real crushes everyone. Introducing the latter, Barter showcases her impeccable comedic timing: “It’s a serious song and it was featured in a show called fucking Catfish." Yet, the song remains devastating. Rejecting encores, Barter shreds through a love letter to her friends, Ur A Piece of Shit and straight into Girlie Bits to close the show. 

Ali Barter @ Corner Hotel. Photo by Renee Coster.