LIVE REVIEW: MAY-A @ THE NIGHT CAT 06/05/2022
Photo: Lauren Barry
Illuminated under a red glow, The Night Cat stage perched in the centre of the room, calling in fans and music fiends. It was officially beanie and flanny weather as the punters arrived. A young, majority female crowd wearing shaggy wolf hair cuts and hoodies that read “Homophobia is Gay”.
The room was inviting and inclusive as Ioakim (i-owe-kem) stepped up to the stage. The lead singer was supported by his drummer, Alistair whose white tee reflected the neon light show, pops of purple and blues radiating through the room. Ioakim spoke about creating songs in his bedroom, a self made producer, vocalist and guitarist. Their set represented a new wave of indie pop, but reminiscent of MGMT. He was a natural on stage with the crowd singing and dancing, overall an excellent introduction to the night.
Photo: Lauren Barry
Next to the stage next was cowgirl Carla Wehbe, rocking matching denim jeans and jacket, killer belt and hat on top of the best accessory - her voice. Somewhat similar to the tone of MAY-A’s voice, but a different feeling behind it, her own experiences and emotions ran through the lyrics. It was a touch of bubblegum pop with the indie edge while enticing those who like bands such as The 1975. She crooned ‘Please tell me how to love you from afar” before covering ABBA classic, ‘Dancing Queen’. She began the cover smooth and chill then dropped into a pop/punk/rock style. Her stage presence was impressive as she proceeded to another cover, ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ which was promptly screamed by the crowd including headliner May-a who was spotted in the back of the room.
Photo: Lauren Barry
With much anticipation, a voicemail crackled over the speakers, MAY-A could be heard amongst her friends, joking and chatting before they instruct “May-a stop kissing your friends!!”. She launched onto stage in motorbike pants, a structured white crop and her now iconic mullet with mad max style eye make up. Following on the back of Coachella a couple of weeks ago, this show was a change of pace but it didn’t dampen her fire. She was match fit and performing at the level of an artist you would expect to see at an arena show. MAY-A’s music has exploded since her album release and collaboration with Flume for ‘Say Nothing’ but it's a shock to see she hasn’t yet been swooped up to play bigger venues. Those of us in the crowd knew this may be one of the last times to see her in such an intimate space.
Carla rejoined the stage to sing ‘Swing of Things’ with MAY-A, both now sporting cowgirl hats. They sang arm in arm before dancing across the stage. Everything slowed down for ‘Daffodils’ as phone lights glowed and waved across the room before amping up into a rockier version of ‘Say Nothing’ - which I hope is recorded and released in future. After finishing strong with ‘Central Station’, the cheers and claps rang out for minutes, reflecting the love and admiration of the crowd.
If May-a is the example of the future of Australian music,
prepare for world domination.
Photo: Lauren Barry
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