Amy, 24, Melbourne, web designer, piano student, Slytherin, nostalgia (and chocolate) addict, and languisher in all things baroque, rococo, and Tolkien.
I was lucky enough to get to my second Yann Tiersen concert a few weeks ago. I say lucky because both times were a sellout, but I am not so enthusiastic about the direction he’s taken since Les Retrouvailles. This concert mainly featured pieces from his newest album, Skyline. I understand why he doesn’t want to be pigeon-holed as just the-Amélie-soundtrack-dude, but there is little left of the signature whimsy and charm of his earlier albums – the major presence of electric guitars brought his current sound more into the realm of minimalist ambient rock.
There were some good moments, especially getting to hear Rue des Cascades, but I guess you could describe a lot of the rest as … noise. That probably sounds harsh, because I did enjoy it, but I guess my personal music taste diverged from his music journey.
There was a signing afterwards, and the other current band members came out a little later. Lowana grabbed the set list (look at song 3 
).
I also brought my old book along and finally got the set list from the last gig in 2006! I asked if any of the other members had been at that particular concert, but I think only one had. He proceeded to hand the paper to Yann, and they started reminiscing about it, which held the queue up…
Though the gig 6 years ago was sold out, I managed to convince someone to let me in with a sob story (“I’ve come so far and he’s my favourite modern composer!” which was true at the time), and by wearing an attractive corset.
Over two dozen Melbourne lolitas frocked up for a lovely Easter-themed picnic in the Fitzroy Gardens on the 17th. I wanted a chance to wear my new Innocent World dress, and the picnic was just what I needed to cheer up a bit! This eczema flare-up has me thoroughly depressed and self-conscious. It seems that as soon as one patch starts to heal, half a dozen more pop up! I think I’ve had about 7 doctor visits but none have been very helpful so I’m off to my naturopath tonight for adjustment – she also listens to me, explains clinically what’s going on, and doesn’t just hand over a prescription. I have taken all the usual suggestions and followed every doctor’s instruction but I am still frustrated, disfigured, and losing sleep. But last Sunday provided a brief reprieve from pyjamas and MMO-escapism, and I’m really glad I went. Everyone was lovely, the sun was out for most of the pretty Autumn day, and it was fun. I didn’t take any photos but others more confident and talented behind the lens did, so I’ve shared a few and hope they don’t mind! I think all photos are from Kavya’s camera unless otherwise stated.
Adam and I (taken my Mei)
Bunnies! Pamela & Kimberley looking adorable
My favourite picture ^__^
Enjoying the fare!
Kavya, Marie from ODIP, and me in our pretty florals
Our suave “aristocratic” boys, Victor, Adam and Jorge
Photo by Alice
The whole beautiful group
Photo by Mei
The next evening 7 of my friends and I went to Melbourne’s beautiful Palais theatre to see Imogen Heap as she returned for the last time to Australia as part of her Ellipse tour. I’m sure I’m hitting close to the mark when I say we are all enamoured of her transporting soundscapes and ingenious layering. She’s very charismatic to watch, communicates a lot, and we end up feeling more like part of the whole show than just audience members. After taking votes in an online poll designed to see what fans actually wanted to hear most, the repertoire went as follows:
The Walk
Goodnight And Go
Speeding Cars
Between Sheets
Aha!
Canvas
Wait It Out
Lifeline (new song)
Let Go
Just For Now
Half Life
First Train Home
Little Bird
Swoon
Headlock
The Moment I Said It
Hide and Seek
Tidal
These photos are from Lowana, because I didn’t take any!
Imogen is 6′ tall and wore slinky, sparkly black clothing…
L-R: Lowana(not pictured), Talie, me, Adam, Mitch, Kimmy, Alice, & Alex – all great friends and really close to the stage this time! We look a bit blank but are actually just very immersed in the music.
Imogen pulls out the keytar (now working) for an animated solo in “Tidal”, her final piece for the night.
A bit of unstable pitch (evidently the sacrifice to be made for her signature breathy quality) and an audio hitch that lasted about fifteen minutes might be the only things that could bother someone about the Melbourne concert, but Imogen’s raw vocals and openness are beautiful, entertaining, and it’s easy to fall in love with her. Her Melbourne show last year left me very emotional for about half an hour afterwards, mostly because I had to leave a little before the end of the show to get a lift home, so being able to see out the whole night this time was satisfying.
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Juliette at Classical Doll