Review: Bertie Blackman, Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, London

I'm pretty ignorant of Australian music on the whole. I doubt I could name more than a handful of Australian acts or songs other than AC/DC, Kylie, Natalie Imbruglia and, of course, "that guy from Neighbours that released that song back in the 80's...". Oh, and Tim Minchin if he counts. I'm not proud of this fact, but I am proud to say that I had my contemporary-Australian-musicians horizon broadened when an opportunity to see Bertie Blackman at the Hoxton Bar & Kitchen landed in my inbox.

As I'd never heard of her before, I did the decent thing as a music reviewer and did some some research. Bertie has a new album 'Secrets and Lies' out on May 3rd (which I had naively assumed was her debut, but isn't) and I whole heartedly urge you to check it out. Seriously, it's brilliant! She has been described as "The Australian Florence", which I feel is a slightly lazy generalisation, but since there isn't much else I can compare her to, it'll have to do. Bertie definitely has traces of Flo, with added electro-synth sex appeal. I was looking forward to this...

So, off to oh-so-trendy Hoxton I go, prepared for a night of good tunes and sticking-out-like-a-sore-thumb. I arrive half way through the set of Sheffield based band The Little Million. A hugely energetic four piece, who at first listen are reminiscent of current XFM favourite (and please forgive me for this) The Enemy, without the infinitely punchable, rat faced front man. And with decent songs. They put on an impressive show with a) limited lighting and space and b) a timid crowd which seemed to largely consist of ex pat Australians with a frightfully British sense of politeness.

After a quick turn around, Bertie Blackman and band take the stage as we get treated to a selection of highlights from 'Secrets and Lies'. They begin their unfortunately shortened set with the album opener "Sky is Falling"; a beautiful, dark and atmospheric track and definitely one of the stand out songs from the album. Next up is stomper track "Thump" - a real onomatopoeia of a song, as with a combination of the punchy vocal delivery and Manny Bourakis' pounding drumming, that's exactly what it does.

She may only be small, but Bertie certainly belts out the chorus with a pair of lungs which, by the sound of things, take up about 60% of her body. Catchy, poppy track "Heart" is next, followed by the beautiful Martha Wainwright-esque "Come to Bed". The crowd are still keeping their distance, but are definitely showing their appreciation. "Either you're hating this, or you're far too polite" Bertie muses openly, to which a slurred reply of "WE LOVE YOU, BERTIE!" appears from somewhere, back by the bar. Nice.

The show continues with a the synth-fests that are "Baby Teeth", with it's Eurythmics style bridge and the sultry and sexy single "Black Cats", a track which really wouldn't be out of place in Lady Gaga's back catalogue. The best is most definitely saved until last though. The band close the show with "Byrds of Prey"; The start of which, and again forgive me for this, sounds a little like "Horny" by Mousse T but without, you know, being shit. Obviously. It's a hugely catchy tune, layered ceiling high with synths, more pounding drums, harmonies and dark undertones to the lyrics, building to a huge crescendo at the end. Gorgeous. I've had it stuck in my head ever since.

So, there you have it. The show was short, but most definitely sweet. It seems that there really is more to Australia music than sub-par soap opera spin off pop. I have had 'Secrets and Lies' on near constant repeat before and since the show, and I think you should all do the same. Bertie has a few more shows in London and will hopefully be doing the festival rounds come the summer. If you get the chance; check her out and say G'day while you're there.