Live Review: Ngaiire, Lanks, Jack Grace

Oxford Art Factory transformed into a hub of soulful transparency and electronic melodies on Friday night as Jack Grace and Lanks supported Sydney-based R&B queen, Ngaiire, in a sold out, emotive extravaganza.

The night kicked off with futuristic synths, intermittent deep bass, with a side of soft echoing vocals from one half of Ngaiire's producing team, Jack Grace. Progressive beats complemented the enigmatic ambience of the venue early on, as Grace showcased his capabilities as a solo artist.

Next on stage, Melbourne-based producer Lanks — "Or as my mum calls me, Will," he cheekily remarks. What's not to love about a Chet Faker lookalike, playing a set filled to the brim with unreleased tracks and multi-musical talents? Will Cuming even surprised the audience with a final flute solo between his electric guitar riffs and smooth, soulful vocal performance.

Electronic hums echo as the curtains open to reveal Ngaiire's onstage crew: drummer Christopher Port, two (extremely energetic) backing vocalists and Jack Grace on keys. Ngaiire slowly floats on stage to a shrieking crowd, dressed in sequins and wearing the mother of all flower crowns as her extravagant headpiece.

Fearless honesty and transparency in her voice is evident from the start as she closes her eyes and carries volumes of emotional hardship to the fore. Ngaiire's greatest performance strength is her ability to seamlessly shift momentum and tone as she took the audience from the dialed-back emotive vibes of I Can't Hear God Anymore to the strobe-light, club atmosphere of House On A Rock.

The second half of the show saw Ngaiire let her hair down quite literally, as she changed into a gold bodysuit with fairy lights peppered from her shoulders upwards. Fierce slashing gestures turned into dropping dance moves as Ngaiire glided across stage to join the crowd singalong of Once and bring producer Paul Mac on stage for her latest electronic tune, Diggin. The onstage passion became contagious and radiated across all angles of the intimate venue.

Her final song encore, Fall Into My Arms draws the audience right back to where they began with soulful, heartfelt vocals over a melodic bass line creating a tone of blissful contentment and collective admiration.

Ngaiire's performance was not only a showcase of endearing vocal presence, but a testament to her undying resilience and enduring passion, as she grows into Australia's very own electro-soul queen.