A lot has happened for Gin Wigmore in the last few years. Propelled by unguided courage, she decided to abandon her well-rooted life in Sydney, move across the world to Los Angeles, and record a new album, Blood to Bone. Although it’s been over three years since Gin last graced Brisbane soil, it was clear that her fans hadn’t forgotten her, as the Foundry was well packed and alive on Wednesday night.
Supporting Gin was Melbourne folk group Miss Eileen & King Lear, a trio that felt like sunshine and daisies and all things happy. A pleasantly complementary departure from Gin’s angsty, soul-fuelled ballads, Miss Eileen & King Lear is fronted by sibling duo Eileen (guitar) and Lear (drums) Hodgkins and supported by the talents of bassist Grant Cummerford. It isn’t just their crooning duets and jangly notes that bleed warmth; Miss Eileen & King Lear’s rare, humbling joy to make and perform music seemed the most transparent on stage. Members of the glowing trio were all smiles as they seamlessly transitioned from the upbeat “Into Your Arms” to the warm, honey-like “Alright Love.”
“Woo, this is awesome,” beamed Eileen.
We thought so, too.
As the night continued, the audience grew increasingly packed in anticipation for Gin Wigmore to take the stage. The New Zealand native, often compared to the likes of Amy Winehouse and Duffy, finally rocked up casually on stage sporting a plain black tee and a sleeve full of colourful tattoos. Opening with the familiar and upbeat single, “Willing to Die,” Gin, we soon learn, has an unparalleled, natural, and mesmerising stage presence about her. Are there any other members on stage? There sure are, but we can’t take our eyes off Gin as she moves effortlessly on the Foundry’s intimate stage with a slight degree of nonchalant arrogance. Gin loves performing, and she knows you love to watch her performing, too.
We couldn’t help but dance as Gin transitioned from “Willing to Die” to “New Rush,” a number chock full of pop beats and uplifting choruses. The night continued with equal parts new and old tracks--older crowd pleasers such as ”If Only,” “Dirty Love,” and “Man Like That” from Gravel & Wine, and Blood to Bone’s “Written in the Water” and “24.”
The night came to an end far too quickly, as soon enough Gin took a final bow, winked at a mesmerised audience, and silently left stage. But we couldn’t let her leave without one final song. Gin reappeared with a shaking, beautiful, and tragic encore, “I Will Love You,”that left us both satisfied and hungry for the next time she graces Brisbane with her talents again.
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“The only devils in this world are those running around in our own hearts, and that is where all our battles should be fought” Mahatma Ghandi.
