Live Review: Maggie Rogers, Stella Donnelly

Feeling ever so comfortable with her hometown crowd filling up the Astor Theatre, Stella Donnelly set the tone for what was to be a fabulous Tuesday night in Perth.

In between knocking out her classics, like Tricks and Old Man from debut full-length Beware Of The Dogs, Donnelly entertained with an anecdote about her grandmother's vibrator and synchronised crab-dance moves.

Always captivating, and with the crowd in the palm of her hand, she passed the baton to Maggie Rogers.

Stella Donnelly @ Astor Theatre. Photo by Dana Weeks.

It’s been almost two years since Maggie Rogers last graced Australian shores but this was her first time on the west coast. The Astor Theatre was sold out! What a way to start her first-ever headline Australian tour on the back of Heard It In A Past Life. ABBA’s Dancing Queen blasted through the theatre and ramped up the crowd before she hit the stage.

Straight off the bat was the high energy Give A Little. It was hard to keep up. The energy was infectious and she continued without stopping through Burning, Say It and On + Off.

She paused just before Dog Years to talk about friendship being the meaning behind the song. Thanking her new friend Stella Donnelly, we felt like we had gained one too.

After Dog Years, she started The Knife, only to stop the music and talk directly to the adoring audience: "You have to let go, I’m here to help you let go. Feel free to dance and sing along." We couldn’t agree more Rogers; Perth crowds really do need to loosen up! 

Maggie Rogers @ Astor Theatre. Photo by Dana Weeks.

Rogers closed the set with Fallingwater, Perth finally taking her advice and singing every word back to her. But it didn’t end there. If you hadn't been emotionally moved yet, then an encore of Color Song was the moment that broke you. One light, no back-up, just raw talent. You could hear a pin drop. It was magic.

Heard It In A Past Life is a beautifully written album and Rogers performed live with love, strength and a hint of vulnerability. She took us on a journey with her voice guiding us; a voice that is like no other.