Live Review: NAO, Kllo

Taking the only support slot tonight is local electronic duo Kllo. That awkward semi-circle that normally exists during supports is swallowed up with people dancing as the two make their way through their textured upbeat take on electro-pop. While the reaction to the band is great, at times they sound too quiet and vocalist Chloe Kaul's vocals are so awash in reverb that they're indecipherable and don't fit in aesthetically.

Her debut LP is less than six months old, but the rockstar reception welcoming NAO (aka Neo Jessica Joshua) is one that'd make you think her posters have been on everyone in this sold-out room's bedroom walls for years. Backed by a three-piece band, the group deliver some classic funk sounds while also incorporating modern R&B, neo-soul and modern pop that echoes Solange. And at the heart and driving it all is Joshua's distinct powerful voice.

The appropriately titled Happy is an early highlight but it's the relatively early appearance of electronic power-ballad In The Morning that gets things moving as — when the track reaches its heart-breaking peak — Joshua's vocals are raw and frantically powerful, coming across as a punk-meets-soul moment. One thing we notice is Joshua's ability to not only work a crowd, but also relate to them as well. Her between-song banter is awkwardly charming and she is clearly happy/appreciative to be here — she works the stage like a seasoned pro.

Girlfriend nearly brings the house down and when the crowd belts out the song's chorus their voices threaten to drown out the PA. Fool To Love and early single Zillionaire get similar responses, but it's with her stab at the Mura Masa track Firefly (on which NAO contributed vocals) that we see the biggest audience response. However, this is also the most disappointing musical moment in the show since the track barely utilises the amazing backing band; Firefly doesn't really fit into the context of the set and feels a bit too safe/bland.

Following thunderous applause, the band return to the stage to perform Bad Blood. It's unfortunately a one-song encore, but hats off to this clearly talented performer.