Kimbra at the Theatre At Ace — Photo: Danielle Gornbein
Angelinos gathered at the beautiful Ace Theatre this past Wednesday night for the true Valentine – Kimbra. The breathtaking Grammy-winning artist brought her incredibly unique form of art to the beautiful stage this Valentine’s Day. Her music uniquely blends R&B, jazz, and rock stylings together to create something so beautiful. Many of us discovered her after her collaboration with the one-hit wonder track “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye back in 2011. I started getting really into her a year later when I watched a performance on the Australian broadcast “Triple J” from my favorite musician, Dallas Green of City and Colour. He covered Kimbra’s debut single “Settle Down” off her first record Vows. The song itself seemed so powerful which caused my curiosity to strike and I then ended up seeing an insane video on YouTube of Kimbra performing it at SXSW 2012. The way she loops her voice and instantly grabs the attention of listeners was so remarkable to see.
Kimbra at the Theatre At Ace — Photo: Danielle Gornbein
With two striking albums under her belt, Kimbra has been out on the road in support of her soon to be released third record, Primal Heart – set to be released via Warner Bros. Records on April 20th. Wednesday night was the second to last show on this US tour. Without surprise, Kimbra brought her certified bops to life as well as many new hits off the new record, including the recently released single “Human”. In “Human” alone she shines on that distinct, raw vulnerability heard in her voice alone. She took a moment to thank the crowd for their love and hospitality as she did write her sophomore record The Golden Echo right in the city.
Kimbra began her career as a singer/songwriter with a guitar and would create these lo-fi bedroom productions she worked on alone. Taking to stage right with her red hot electric guitar, Kimbra treated us to a stripped down version of an upcoming track off the new album called “Past Love”. The audience respectfully silenced in pure admiration of this special moment and sunk back into their seats. Her voice is without a doubt an instrument that she uses with every bit of her body and soul. I really can’t come up with the words to explain the insane range she rises to with her runs.
Kimbra’s performance absolutely left the crowd speechless. Advising us to dance, everyone rose to their feet as she ended her set with the heavy-hitting jam “Top Of The World” where she demanded energy from within herself, and passed it on to her adoring fans. Then I witnessed one of the loudest encores. Super thankful and happy to oblige, the 27-year-old star came back on stage and ended with another new track off the upcoming record, “Real Life”. Just when you thought she couldn’t create any more powerful work, she surprised us with the beautifully raw lyricism in this ballad. The theatre truly lit up with nothing but love on this Valentine’s Day.
Words & Photos: Danielle Gornbein
Kimbra at the Theatre At Ace — Photo: Danielle Gornbein
Kimbra at the Theatre At Ace — Photo: Danielle Gornbein
