Princess Chelsea, Auckland NZ, 2018

Princess Chelsea

26th October 2018
Hollywood Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by John Kidd. Photography by Grace Watson.

Friday night and I’m ready to ease into my weekend, and when a gig presents itself at your local independent cinema that just happens to be a place of historical value – well how could you say no? There is something quite fantastical about the Hollywood, and I for one am overjoyed at the fact that it is now being used for musical events; the sheer nature of the building itself providing the opportunity for exciting acoustics.

With the delectable scent of mulled wine and warm moustache cookies wafting in from the reception area, I was well impressed to see that the audience had a choice of whether they wanted to take a seat or let it all hang loose on the dancefloor.

Making a double appearance tonight at both Hollywood and Whammy Bay, Créme Jéan (aka Bradley Fafejta) opened the evenings proceedings with a unique brand of self-proclaimed ‘psych-pop’ and his live band The Family. Check out his sophomore single ‘Atrophy’ for some guitar melodies that will infect your brain … in a good way.

As the subtle colours of a muted rainbow cradled the stage in its luminescent arms, the ‘glamourous bodies’ known as Polyester appeared before me. I have always liked this band, their youth and honesty combining to create a sound that never gives the impression of being contrived. Their set began with ‘Magic’ from their debut self-titled album, and immediately I am struck by just how wonderfully pure Sylvia’s vocals sound. This girl could walk into any jazz or blues club singing like this and be embraced as one of their own.

The five piece of Amelia, Keria, Michael, Tane and the aforementioned Sylvia really do come across as a family on stage. Yes, that word can often be over used, and sometimes not in the right context, but with these guys it fits, and it is a massive part of their appeal. Straight into ‘Honey’ and the room just got brighter, the light-hearted rhythms of the song and undertones of funk to the guitar line framing Sylvia’s lower vocal register. ‘Different for a Boy’ has always been a track I have admired so it was nice to hear it as the penultimate song of the set, Polyester deciding to end their night with not only a cover but their first cover! The 90’s pop soaked ‘Steal My Sunshine’ by Len fitting in with their aesthetic quite nicely.

Already regaled with some dazzling New Zealand talent I was well settled into my surroundings and ready for the main act of the night, the one and only Princess Chelsea. As a former member of both The Brunettes and Teenwolf she comes with a pedigree that is rather impressive; add into that the fact that she is not only a musician, but an experimental producer and you can’t help but be a little in awe of such a talent.

Beginning the night with ‘Machines of Loving Grace’ from her debut album Lil Golden Book and the room is suddenly filled with that electronic ‘baroque’ sound that Princess Chelsea is renowned for; fantastical dark checkered jacket which framed the centre of her body wrapped in lights that were almost as dazzling as her candy floss pink bob. With pink hued visuals playing on the screen behind her and a live band with some very obvious skills, I grinned to myself, knowing that the next hour or so would be something quite phenomenal.

Straight into the more subdued intro of ‘The Pretty Ones’ and a dark shadow looms at the edges, Chelsea seemingly taking its hands and dancing across the stage with it as an edge seeps into her voice, oh yes ladies and gentlemen, this Princess bites. As if to prove this point ‘I Love My Boyfriend’ with its slightly astringent lyrics follows close behind, the many facets of Chelsea being displayed over a glittery surface.

While I am rather anti the word ‘dreamy’ to describe music, newer tracks such as the trippy little ‘Wasting Time’ again with it’s dusting of caustic powder lyrics do have that otherworldly synth sound to them, tiny inflections of sparkles sprinkled throughout. I personally enjoy the contrast of the two; it’s like popping a sweet into your mouth and then realising as you reach its centre that it’s a Warhead sour lolly in disguise.

Amusing choreography and visuals that displayed everything from a young Tommy Lee Jones to racing cars underpinned a set that was dramatic as it was ethereal. The evening ended with the highly celebrated by my fellow patron’s track ‘I Miss My Man’ – if you haven’t seen the video for that one yet, take my advice and go and check it out.

Now while I believe the encore game is a little beneath an artist such as Princess Chelsea, it is a time-honoured tradition and a way for an audience to convey their feelings to an artist. Surrounded by a cacophony of stamping feet, whoops and cheers it was pretty obvious that there was an enormous amount of love in the room for our fellow Aucklander. Completing the night with ‘When The World Turns Grey’ by Robin Schulz and our Princess left the building, thunderous applause nipping at her heels.

Stepping out into the night I felt a deep sense of satisfaction rolling around inside my belly, proving that sweet and sour can often be the perfect combination.

Were you there at the Hollywood Theater to witness this indie-pop brilliance? Or have you seen Princess Chelsea perform live some other time? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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