Mr Viral
Photos by Sergio Martin ©Spotlight Report
Sydney Opera House at dusk is where you want to be. As the city moves from day to night mode, the surrounding high-rise buildings come alive with light, fruit bats flying across the skyline heading home, the harbour busier than ever with busy bee commuter ferries bring in the hoards looking for dinner and a cocktail in one of the most photogenic places in Australia.
Polly Jean Harvey knows how to pick a venue.
The first half of the PJ Harvey set felt like a beautifully curated art exhibition with songs from her critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated, 2023 album I Inside the Old Year Dying. It’s not only the songs themselves but the lighting and backdrop, sounds of nature between songs and beautiful stage fashion. Harvey moves along with the songs, telling each story with an arm stretch, crouch down and glance into the distance like she is on the stage delivering a Shakespearean soliloquy at the Globe Theatre. It all contributes to the immersive experience.
At times you could tell the crowd who were perhaps less familiar with this album, were crying out for some OG Harvey. At times they seemed restless, but that could have been the numb bum syndrome you can only get from sitting on the Opera House steps for too long! Mid-set the familiar sound of 50ft Queenie rang out, much to the screams of the audience followed by classics The Garden, Man sized and Down by the Water. The fans standing at the front started to dance and sing all the words back, acknowledging they had moved from the theatre space well and truly into a rock show. Finishing with 1995’s C’mon Billy and the hauntingly gothic White Chalk, the smiles on fans faces showed they were more than satisfied with their particularly PJ Harvey gig, those who truly follow her knowing that her continual evolution as an artist and person across a 40 year career is what she is best known and admired for.
Polly Jean Harvey pushes her own and her fans boundaries in search of the truth.
And in this same vein, the evening was supported by Australian musician and artist, Mick Turner. Founding member of Dirty Three, Turner has exhibited art to both local and international audiences. A skilled guitarist, the set was experimental with Turner looping sounds to create layers and depth to the songs, some of which just kept going and going. It was a musical masterclass, raw yet polished, humble yet with showmanship – likely from his origins in Melbourne hardcore punk bands in the early 80’s. Bet you didn’t see that coming!
If you missed PJ Harvey this time, make sure you add her to your list for next. Polly Jean Harvey is a bucket list artist for the ages.
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