GIG REVIEW – RACHAEL ZELLA AND THE BLACKBIRDS: June 5th at The Vanguard, Newtown

Deep within the Vanguard, Rachael Zella and the Blackbirds gave Sydney its first taste of their debut album No Stranger. Sydney singer-songwriter Alistair Powning opened with his lyrical genius and guitar.

Then came a vibrant three-piece act; Terry Serio accompanied by violin and double bass. The trio gave us a taste for what was to come, filling the intimate setting with layers of soothing strings.

Suddenly darkness, a single spotlight opened up on a solitary Rachael Zella and a keyboard. She lulled us with her voice, folding our brainwaves into it before a six-piece band joined her on the small stage. Mixing folk, country and indie feelings, Zella let us know she is No Stranger to darkness. (SP)

BY SARAH PRITCHARD