The Toff in Town’s intimate space was a great setting for the three performing acts at Leah Senior’s ‘Summer’s On The Ground’ album launch. It certainly was warm in there, but thankfully Senior’s melodious tunes quickly carried us to the cool valley of folk-country music, where we were transported into her whimsical world of stories and song. Melbourne based Forever Son welcomed us with some dreamy folk tunes, followed by a strong solo set by Erica Dunn from Palm Springs, who released their own brilliant debut last month.
Senior opened with the title track ‘Summer’s On The Ground’ and a loud applause ensued. It felt like the people standing before her had been readily waiting her album launch. Her melancholy lullabies were accompanied by some smooth brass, a cellist and her sister Andi Senior – who provided sweet harmonies, their voices melding together beautifully. After generously thanking a number of people mid-set, Senior’s full band came to the stage for the first time, providing a percussive backbone for her delicate stories.
The audience were charmed by Senior’s gentle voice, relatable lyrics (take a listen to ‘The Storm’), and her often frank and humorous banter. We were delighted when she came back on stage for a cover of Nick Drake’s ‘Northern Sky’. Senior also performed a couple more recent songs, one titled ‘Freaks’, describing a handsome but boring lover, which doesn’t feature on the album — but hopefully will on the next.
At the end of the night, my plus one said, ‘I’d like her to hang out inside my ears a little more.’ I couldn’t agree more.
– Lisa
Lisa Martin is a lover of music, words and frolicking in the garden. She’s also an avid people watcher and a professional student.
Leah Senior is playing a second release show at the Vanguard in Sydney on Wednesday 2nd December, and is supporting Jessica Pratt at Northcote Social Club, Melbourne on Thursday 10th December. Buy tickets. Her debut album is out now on vinyl via Flightless and Remote Control Records.
