Live Review: Tiny Ruins, Jess Ribeiro

One of the nicest things about Hobart's Dark Mofo festival is the astounding number of lovely performance venues.

Avalon Theatre was the perfect space for Tiny Ruins and Jess Ribeiro, small enough to be intimate, large enough for a smattering of round tables and chairs with plenty of standing room.

Melbourne artist Jess Ribeiro took to the stage first, warming the crowd not only with her music but also with playful banter.

"Is anyone doing the Nude Solstice Swim tomorrow morning?" she asked between songs. Hands went up in the crowd along with a few yelps. "I don't know how to get there. I need a lift," she said, and when one young man keenly offered to take her she quipped, "Are you married? I'm looking for a husband."

No wonder she's still looking - intelligent, talented and beautiful, most guys are probably scared stiff to ask.

Ribeiro played elegantly, switching between acoustic and electric guitars to perform songs from her album Kill It Yourself, including Hurry Back To Love, If You Were A Kelpie and the title track. Billed as "hazy, brooding rock'n'roll" Ribeiro's set was more folk and well appreciated by the crowd.

Headlining act Tiny Ruins was next, a four-piece folk ensemble led by Hollie Fullbrook hailing from Auckland. Having read Fullbrook learnt to play cello as a child before she picked up the guitar in her teens makes sense when you see her unique style, extracting more from the instrument from most. Her voice also has a great range, alternating from hypnotic breathy vocals in some of the lighter dreamier songs such as Dream Wave, then surprising the listener with power in stronger numbers including Hurtling Through.

Cass Basil added to the sound and shone brightly on a track with a riveting bass line and harmonies. Tom Healy with plinky electric guitar solos and warping sounds was also masterful, as was drummer and percussionist Alex Freer whose diverse use of his instrument really added to the variety of the music. 

Although Fullbrook confessed to be suffering from nerves playing live, her music appeared effortless and it was a pleasure to watch her settle into the gig and appear to really enjoy it by the end. New songs Sparklers and Olympic Girls were well received with Fullbrook assuring the audience an awaited new album was soon to be released. No doubt it will be a winner.