:: Sophie Koh - Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne - February 2006

By: Mark Rasmussen

Courtesy of The City Of Melbourne, this evening's performance in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens was free. Having seen Sophie (twice) during the recent Queenscliff Music Festival, I already knew what to expect. What I hadn't encountered on was the lovely surroundings adding to the spectacle.

With two hours to kill, Sophie began the set with some acoustic tunes and versions of songs from her brilliant debut album ‘All The Pretty Boys.’ This was a great way to ease into proceedings and introduce her music to those unfamiliar with her. At one point she threw in a cover of Radiohead‘s 'Creep’ which was not only unexpected but will also be included in her new single/EP to be released shortly.

As the evening gave way to night, she moved across to the keyboard and accompanied by her new drummer, and continued to play some more songs. Taking a fifteen minute break, it gave me a chance to wander through the magnificent gardens, even taking in the famous ‘Tudor village’ that a small town in England donated after the second World war.

With full band in tow (drums, bass and Sophie on guitar), she upped the ante and began to really rock out. It‘s here that the diminutive Koh really shines. It was a perfectly still night in which to perform and Sophie carried it off with a very polished, highly enjoyable performance. With a hugely varied age group sitting in front of her, I never had any doubt she wouldn't. It ended on the best note possible when she played the brilliant 'Fall Into Space’ as her encore song. It was a great way to round out what had been a lovely night in the Fitzroy Gardens. Just fantastic!