Live Review: Emma Louise, Thelma Plum, Patrick James

After stellar opening sets from Patrick James and Thelma Plum (we can't help but accuse the promoters of missing a gilt-edged Thelma & Louise pun opportunity here), we're treated to a mega mix of Radiohead songs in anticipation of Emma Louise and her return to a sold-out Corner Hotel. Apart from reminding us what a top song Let Down is, this soundtrack choice couldn't be more perfectly suited to the Brisbane native's somewhat surprising turn to swooping, blissed-out electronica, evidenced on her recently released debut album Vs Head Vs Heart.

Arriving on stage toting what could only be described as a Mad Max-style hairdo, Louise wastes no time in creating an inviting atmosphere through early cuts Mirrors and Cages. Far from the Blasko-esque indie folk princess she was feted to become after being Unearthed a few years ago, the mould here is a huskier voiced Beth Orton. Quipping that it was nice to play to a crowd aware of more than four of her songs (in itself a slightly optimistic statement), she kicks into recent single, Boy. Carrying more than a hint of Everything In Its Right Place in its pulsing keys and persistent kick, the track is a clear highlight of the set. It also contains a significant turning point as the line “smoking cigarettes” is replaced with “smoking crystal meth”, perhaps revealing some more specific motivations simmering beneath a cloudy nature. There's nothing abnormal or sensational about the issues Louise is expressing here – as a young, much lauded songwriter she has been thrust into a national spotlight and the themes of loss, love and uncertainty are more than understandable. What becomes remarkable tonight is the astonishing nonchalance she displays as she carries these lofty expectations on her slight shoulders. Louise brings these themes into further clarity on up-and-down heartbreaker 1000 Sundowns, silencing a rowdy Friday night crowd with finger picking so delicate we were tempted to ask the staff to turn the rumbling air con off for a minute. Uber-hit Jungle is aired, along with the obligatory Like A Version cover of Alt-J's Tesselate and finally, the almost party starting Freedom – a track which sees Louise letting her hair down a little, leaving her uncertainties at the door and, much like her devoted fans, just enjoying the moment.