The Sidney Myer Music Bowl came alive for Leon Bridges' stop in Melbourne as part of The Leon Tour. Despite an overcast sky and a light touch of rain, a massive crowd packed into the venue, armed with warm jackets and picnic blankets, ready to soak in a night of soulful music.

The show left me with an unexpected sense of patriotism. Dom Dolla is a true Aussie icon, and seeing his artistry unfold live filled me with pride. For a night that promised dance-floor euphoria, Dom delivered and then some.

After 5 years of reclusion, St Vincent’s ethereal presence emerged from the backstage of the Palais Theatre.
Back turned to the audience; her silhouette commanded the attention of the crowd as we all sat in our seats in almost disbelief.

The band’s transition to a new and temporary era also saw yours truly change her status from a previously uninvolved yet content gig reviewer to one with still inchoate powers, as I may have indirectly created a turn of events that led to Harry farewelling Australia in a fashion far from pure; by doing a shoey out of lead singer Kim’s Blundstone.

Whatever we find ourselves doing in this almost transitional state of purgatory, we are always propelled to move forward, step by step, by great love. And this is what The Slingers explore with gusto and grace on their singles from their first album, Sentimentalism.