Live Review: Dan Sultan

The stunning Aurora Spiegeltent was filled to the brim with Dan Sultan followers there to see him perform songs from his new EP, Dirty Ground.

With just an electric guitar and a keyboard, Sultan gave a stunning performance that showed us all what an incredible performer he has become. His vocals were rich and sometimes guttural and he achieved the perfect balance between masculinity and vulnerability. His lyrics dissolved all walls as he let his audience into his most intimate life experiences and emotions.

Sultan admitted that the EP is “pretty depressing” and made an obvious effort to keep things in balance with his jokes and banter with the audience: he helped us relax with his casual dialogue between songs and humorous anecdotes that seemed spontaneous and genuine.

A highlight was his rendition of On The Leffy, a track co-written with iconic Australian musician Paul Kelly, with whom Sultan has been touring as part of The Merri Soul Sessions.

Sultan seemed totally comfortable with just a guitar in hand and got more aggressive and playful with his guitar work throughout the hour. He made several references to his somewhat sordid past, and to personal challenges overcome, and brought that realness in his expressive vocals.

A moving and generous performance by a man willing to expose himself without shame. Sultan is playing a myriad of dates across the country over the next couple of months. Don’t miss out!