Live Review: Sarah Blasko

The Art Gallery of Western Australia's Artbar was arranged to host the night's performance by ARIA Award-winning Sarah Blasko. The venue was bustling with stylish and sophisticated patrons that left little room in the pastel-toned and brightly illuminated atrium, the spiralling stairs and upper gallery packed out. 

Blasko entered the stage, introduced herself and bantered casually while a slight technical hitch with the one of keyboards was sorted out. Her five-member band launched into the opening track I Am Ready off the new album Eternal Return, which immediately reminded that she is renowned for her far-reaching vocal range and expressive husky tones. The accompaniment of synthesisers assisted in creating a full-textured sound of swelling harmonics that filled the auditorium, while leaving room for Blasko's vocals to sit clean and crisp up front in the mix.

The new works have been described as a collection of songs about love, which was more than apparent in Better With You, I'd Be Lost and Maybe This Time. The undercurrent of feelgood warmth and affection towards a significant other was conveyed by Blasko's natural ability to sing fluidly with a relaxed and melancholic quality. 

After a few more songs of expressive dance sways and bubbling analogue keys, some of the older hits come forth such as All I Want and We Won't Run. Like any artist who is constantly moving forward with the craft, Blasko presented these originals with mystique and charm, as if the songs were fresh from the studio that day.

Throughout the show the audience subduedly interacted and applauded the succession of vocal-driven romantic melodies. Mostly due to the captivating quality of Blasko's soaring soprano voice, it seemed like the room was frozen and awestruck at the dreamy performance.

Closing out the show with a three-track encore of I Wanna Be Your Man, Luxurious and I Awake, Blasko presented a slick and balanced performance with all the essential elements to delight the listeners. The new material doesn't necessarily break new ground, but rather solidifies the true vocal talent that has made Blasko so renowned.