I almost got lost on Friday night on my way into the Princess Theatre to see Sydney folk supergroup, All Our Exes Live In Texas, supported by Miss Eileen and King Lear and local alternative artist Clea. The Princess Theatre is absolutely stunning – the high roof and décor add to any show there, and the small venue was the perfect fit for the band. Opening the night was Melbourne brother/sister duo Miss Eileen and King Lear, whose carefree energy was refreshing and liberating. Looking like they’d walked off the front cover of a hipster magazine, their aesthetic seemed to really match the alternative folk/country music they were playing. The venue was still filling up as they launched into their first few songs, with a few minor technical issues. A drum and acoustic guitar set up, their songs were light and fun. Highlights were songs New Mexico and Sunday. I don’t remember the last time I was that nice to my brother, let alone performed such entertaining music – I bet their mum would be proud. Whilst the music was really good, they were having a lot of sound issues with their guitar amps, and they even cut out at some point. However, this only amplified their professionalism as musicians with their ability to keep playing through disaster.

Middle act was local band Clea, whose 5-piece band created an incredible sound, and her music was original and inspiring, and almost experimental in creation. Using instruments not usually seen in live performance, such as violin, added an extra aspect of ‘wow’ factor to her set, and the jungly vibes of the indie folk/pop band were polished and obviously well rehearsed. She played a collection of whimsical, yet angry and bittersweet tunes (although, she seemed far to cute to be playing angry and mean songs), and especially for a young performer, was very confident in her ability and her audience interaction.

A highlight of her set was a song that ‘took you on a journey through a black hole’, and border lined on psychedelic space folk. (If that isn’t a genre it really should be). After that song, her band left the stage and Clea performed a solo version of single Polyester. Newest single Dire Consequences rounded out her set, which was hard to describe in terms of sticking to a genre, and despite the continuing sound issues, was phenomenal, and left you wanting more.

It didn’t take long for All Our Exes Live In Texas to come on stage – the energy between these four girls is always astounding, no matter the time of day or circumstance, and I was pleased to see that they were joined by a drummer and bass player, which I hoped would bring a whole new dimension to their already stellar performance. Opening with Boundary Road the girls didn’t take long to warm into the performance. The drums and bass lifted the performance tenfold to what I had seen in the past, and it was a refreshing change.

Elanas’ song Gonna Get My Heart Cut Out was next, and the harmonic arrangement filled the theatre with its sweet chords and notes, which contrasted against the dark and somber lyrics. The thing I like the most about this band is the totally inappropriate banter in between songs. The contrast between such beautiful harmonies, and jokes about airport terrorism and drugs is so vast, yet somehow these women manage to make it work, and I admire that. Sailboat was another standout of the night, and despite the awful feedback still managed to pack a hard-hitting punch. Katies’ mum was at the show, so she ended up being the brunt of a lot of jokes. Other highlights to finish out their set were their cover of Tame Impala Eventually, which shouldn’t work, but for some reason – just does, lead single off their new record, The Devil’s Part, and older song Tell Me. All Our Exes left the stage to rapturous applause (after plugging their new merch). The break was short lived, and All Our Exes came back on for a final encore (but not without a few savage jokes from Elana to the other band members). Our Love Won’t’ Die was stellar, and the band and Miss Eileen and King Lear joined them for a high-energy performance of Hotel Yorba. All Our Exes Live In Texas certainly pack a punch for 4 women, and whilst I could I listen to their music all day, I know one thing for sure – I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of a roasting from any of them. 

Olivia Shoesmith