Alice Phoebe Lou graced The Zoo; A night of Whimsical Joy
Lou performed a sonically rich live rendition of her latest album ‘Shelter’.
Written by Emma Newbury.
While Brisbane provided one of its most melodramatic downpours for the year on Friday night (May 31st), the front steps of esteemed venue The Zoo provided a warm refuge for fans seeking out the talents of Alice Phoebe Lou. Alice Phoebe Lou has an interesting history to say the least; the towhead talent called Kommetjie, South Africa home for 19 years where she was raised amongst the Fynbos, held on the khaki hip of doco-maker parents. The South African then moved to Berlin, Germany working as a fire-dancer, where an aptitude for music would truly alight within her.
Lou is an indie darling with deep roots in the scene, creating music as far back as 2014. However, it was her 2019 album ‘Paper Castles’, followed by the smash 2020 hit ‘Witches’ that really cemented her unique folk-soul style. For this night in the Antipodean land of Brisbane, Australia, Lou would provide a sonically rich live rendition of her latest album ‘Shelter’, released in July 2023.
The stage was set, adorned with cool blue lights casting their glow upon Lou and her bandmates. Kicking off the night with ethereal melodies, she enraptured the audience with soulful renditions of ‘Halo’ and ‘Shine’, setting the tone for a somber but sentimental evening.
As the night progressed, Lou delved into the depths of her latest album 'Shelter', released just a year prior. Each song unfolded like a chapter in a captivating story, from the haunting strains of ‘ Hammer’ to the moving balladry of ‘Angel.’ Former singles ‘Open My Door’ and the titular ‘Shelter’ would also make the cut both on the album and in the live set. The atmosphere was palpable, with every note providing a panging resonation with the hearts of all who listened.
One of the evening's most poignant moments came as Alice Phoebe Lou took a breather, sinking into a chair just out of view for some of the distanced fans. It was clear that Brisbane was the last leg of the tour, as the band, although hiding it in subtleties, were exhausted. With the rest of the band slunked to the side of stage, Lou got comfy in her chair and shared vulnerability with the audience outside of the sonic world. Speaking candidly about her emotional journey, she revealed the reasons behind her decision not to perform certain songs, a testament to the raw authenticity that permeates her music. While most if not all of Lou’s catalog shares insightful although painful actualisations, it's Lou’s life that we are listening to through the soundwaves. With the rest of the band gracefully stepping aside, she took center stage, bathed in the soft glow of the spotlight, and poured her heart out through three soul-stirring solo performances.
One of the solo songs sung included ‘Driveby’, a poignant anthem that captivated the crowd with its raw emotion and haunting beauty, like a sinking ship in grey, desolate waters. The intimacy of her solo performances allowed her to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level, creating a sense of unity that lingered in the air long after the last note faded away. This, along with punters experiencing the homeliness of The Zoo for potentially the last time, made everything feel bittersweet. Unfortunately, the Brisbane venue will be closing its doors in July.
“On days you’d sail away
I would try to find my own way”
As the bandmates rejoined the singer-songwriter on stage and the evening drew to a close, Alice Phoebe Lou treated the audience to a finale that tended to the hearts she had left tender throughout the setlist. From the infectious energy of ‘Lose My Head’ to the spellbinding allure of ‘Witches’, she showcased the full breadth of her musical prowess, leaving an indelible mark on all who bore witness to her brilliance.
This tour marked Alice Phoebe Lou's second journey to Australia, a testament to the enduring allure of her music and the unwavering devotion of her fans down under. Last year, the singer spent the start of May visiting The Brightside in Brisbane, Oxford Art Factory in Sydney, Howler in Melbourne, and Tuning Fork over the Tasman in Auckland. This time around the tour was played to slightly larger sold-out audiences at The Croxton in Melbourne, and Factory Theatre in Sydney, along with Brisbane’s The Zoo (sorry New Zealand). With each performance, she continues to captivate audiences around the world, transforming sound and emotion into whimsically tailored melodies that capture the sentimental human experience.
As the echoes of her final notes lingered in the air, Australia bid farewell to Alice Phoebe Lou, her music tickling the soul of all who were fortunate enough to bear witness to her transcendent talent. And as the night faded into memory, one thing became abundantly clear – the world is a brighter, more beautiful place with Alice Phoebe Lou's music in it.
