Kendall Elise, Auckland NZ, 2022

Kendall Elise

1st April 2022
Wine Cellar, Auckland, New Zealand

Review by Charlotte Lightbody, with photography by Doug Peters. 

Aotearoa, award-nominated singer-songwriter Kendall Elise performed to a sold-out audience in Auckland as part of her ‘Let The Night In’ national album release tour. Her album was written, developed and produced with the support and mentorship of NZ music stalwart Bic Runga.

The show opened with Beth Torrance, and I was floored by how beautiful her voice is – there was so much emotion in her music and I loved to see it. Not only is she incredibly talented, but her dry sense of humour had me cackling in my seat in between songs. Her debut album ‘Let’s move to the seaside and never feel lonely again’, while a mouthful to say, is a pleasure to enjoy. The fact that her album was available as cassette tapes at the merch stand made me feel all kinds of nostalgia. New fan right here!

Kendall, opening with the beautiful title track ‘Let the Night In’ her acoustic guitar, backup vocals, and folk-style fingerpicking merged elegantly, yet allowed her hauntingly soulful voice to take centre stage. I felt deeply emotional listening to her voice. For me it was the lyrics, but also Kendall herself got teary toward the end of the song. A combination of the joy of being able to express herself on a stage again after so long, in a way that no doubt all performers are experiencing in their own way as we fully open up again. It was vulnerable, and I was moved, felt it in my heart.

Intentionally choosing to eschew a practice run at her album prior to the concert, I was glad that my instincts were accurate, feeling all of it for the first time in person was a truly deep experience.

They played the more upbeat yet weighty ‘Honest Hand’ which also premiered its silent film inspired music video on the same day (1st April). At once that retro riff, with its accompanying backing vocals, started me toe-tapping. It’s a song of the times, with Kendall mentioning how the internet and spreading of misinformation was an inspiration and she nails it. Driving home the point with well, an honest hand.

When it was time to get sultry, the lightning backdrop changed to fiery orange and red, while Kendall smouldered through ‘I Want’ – this has got to be one of the sexiest tracks on this planet. As the defining guitar solos built up, I couldn’t help but feel a very 1960s ‘The Love Witch’ aesthetic. I wanted to sit in a dark corner of a bar with a cigar and an Old Fashioned, pondering wearily my life decisions in the warm embrace of her song.

Kendall has a way of capturing the raw essence of what’s important which dovetails perfectly with her country style. Lyrically and rhythmically, she reminds me of the importance of the simple things, as country should. From gazing up at the glorious moon, the smell of jasmine, long slow walks in the countryside, the simplicity of daisy chains and the wind whispering through my hair. To turn thoughts into actions, and to embrace vulnerability. Maybe I’m going too deep, but that’s the beauty of interpretation right?

I knew there would be an amazing cover but from who? Kendall quickly pointed out that she needed to complete how ‘The Clock Tower sounded while playing live, so proceeded to play Jewel’s ‘Who Will Save Your Soul’ and wow… not only was this track the 90s throwback I never knew I needed, but she nailed it, and yes, I will be listening to Jewel today.

To me, the great little extra of Kendall’s gigs is the beautifully articulated story vignettes we get before each song is played. As someone who loves knowing how and why an artist got to where they landed – this was beautiful. A favourite part of the night was hearing about how the country guitar track ‘Make You Shine’ came to exist, again, bringing on quiet little emotions to yours truly in her seat. Here’s hoping no one saw that sad single teardrop.

Last night was magnetic, I couldn’t take my eyes off Kendall, watching her and ‘the boys’ performing such an intimate show – for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of community again. Music is powerful.

There’s a little bit of something for every feeling on this album, from everyday frustrations that, down to the simplicity of a first kiss with a special someone. Kendall brings us new ideas, while still staying true to that rockabilly country style that she’s so well known for.

What an honour to hear her and the guys live. I highly recommend catching Kendall on the last leg of her Let The Night In album release tour, where she’ll be performing on April 6 in Whangarei, and April 23 in Tauranga.

Were you there at Wine Cellar for this intimate Alt. Country gig? Or have you seen Kendall Elise perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

_{Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only.} 

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