New Zealand born, US resident and possibly soon to be claimed as an Aussie like so many other talented New Zealanders before her, Annabel Alpers (AKA Bachelorette) graced the wonderful Toff In Town as part of this year’s exceptional Melbourne Festival lineup. Since her move to the United States, Bachelorette’s music and performance has matured in leaps and bounds, evidenced by her signing with Drag City Records and tours with label mate Bonnie Prince Billy.
Opening the night was Melbourne’s own Rat Vs. Possum. Their futuristic, foot stomping, heart pumping, tribal-infused pop saw the slowly-filling crowd dancing and cheering whole-heartedly. Rat Vs. Possum have been making a name for themselves in the last few years, and with shows like these, it’s easy to see why their popularity is growing. Daphne Shum’s hypnotic vocals are a perfect match to their synth and beat driven accompaniment and the energy of their entire performance was astounding.
By the time Bachelorette made the stage, the room was packed, sweaty and eager to be entranced by the sounds of a one-woman band. The ‘singer/songwriter performing on their own’ cliché can often be taken as a guarantee for crowd boredom, especially for a headline set. However, Alpers has broken the mould set by many performers before her with the use of new technology and an integrated light and projection show.
Utilising nothing but a guitar, synth, midi controller and computer, Alpers is able to create beautifully lush sounds and textures, which only aid her soft yet powerfully brooding voice. She phrases, loops and manipulates her vocals and instruments on the spot to pre-recorded drum/bass/synth patterns, which can create amazing moments of harmonic bliss. By channelling the energy of 80s songstresses like Annie Lennox while spinning a modern edge similar to the music of La Roux, Bachelorette is a self-assured performer and has a powerful effect on the audience.
Bachelorette’s songs are both a throwback to past decades and a wonderful progression into futuristic, modern music and performance. There is no doubt that after her inclusion in such a diverse and well-received festival, we will be hearing and seeing much more of her in the coming years.
– Nigel Moyes
