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Music Review: Nai Palm & Ngaiire

A potentially under-utilised venue, Nexus Live is a reasonable space for live music. A wide substantial stage opens out to a proportionally sized room which can fit a couple or hundred or so

150070_427898323950198_1479330914_nA potentially under-utilised venue, Nexus Live is a reasonable space for live music. A wide substantial stage opens out to a proportionally sized room which can fit a couple or hundred or so. The lighting is a bit time and the colours a tad gray, but otherwise it makes for a reasonable enough venue and for the next few weeks, home to the Ross McHenry curated Nexus Live series.

 There’s a bit of confusion about tonight’s headline which was billed as charismatic frontwoman Nai Palm from Grammy Award winning act Hiatus Kaiyote, buts ends up being PNG born jazz-pop singer Ngaire with her full band. Opening the night however, is leading Adelaide producer, Slamagotchi one of this states finest exponents of experimental electronica. Tonight he nails another mesmerising set but takes it up another notch with some pulsing repetitive classical sounds and moreish off beats. Perhaps an under-recognised talent in Adelaide and one more people should have some awareness of – another pitfall of a slow-moving industry. Sebastian mixed it up, slowed it down, sped it up transitioning through various textures almost seamlessly. The lack of strong lighting maybe left the crowd a little disengaged or perhaps they were mainly attuned to conventionally live acts. Nevertheless the sound and performance were flawless and perhaps was deserving of a more engaged audience.
The phenomenal Nai Palm almost defies description, although I would categorise her as like a eargasm of 90’s RnB excess crossed with Brazilian jazz finess- brilliant and musicologically engaging with constant chord changes and melodic stretches. Her stripped back elements are reminiscent of Jeff Buckley’s finest moments on Grace. So easily in the zone, it’s rare to see such a polished performance that is simultaneously so comfortable, particularly as a solo act. Grammy nominated track Nakamarra was performed in a unique and significantly different way to the band version, but it worked a treat. Nai Palm came adorned in colourful attire and faux fur which added another layer to the other-worldliness of her performance.
Ngaiire has a huge voice, although overall her act had far more of a conventional sound than Nai Palm. The tight band was solid, but not necessarily spectacular. Her show featured a big use of samples and backing but was justifiable given the live keys and rhythm section. Her ability to work the length of the stage and actually put on an engaging performance was commendable and although not everyone was as engaged as with Nai Palm, the show still won over a number of fans.The night had great live production overall. Nexus Live and curator Ross McHenry should be commended on a flawless sell out first show. Hopefully great things to come.

Reviewed by Gavin De Almeida

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