Mallrat’s sophomore record Light hit my face like a straight right was an emotionally fuelled affair with beautiful melodies and soothing production. Its stage debut was in arenas while opening for pop icon Kylie Minogue, but this album deserved its own celebration and reflection in stunning theatres. Kicking off her headline world tour in Sydney, she took over Enmore Theatre for a night of reflection and euphoric release from somber feelings. 

With the stage shrouded in moody lighting that cast Mallrat and her band as silhouettes with halos, the show was centered around this ethereal and melodramatic emotion. At times you felt heavy and intent with every lyric, and in other moments you felt celebratory and light. Opening with “My Darling, My Angel” and “Pavement” she glided across the stage with the audience beaming from ear to ear with excitement. “Hello Sydney, how are you?” She exclaimed before confessing, “I wasn’t prepared for this to be such an emotional first two songs”. Taking a moment to perform songs from her debut album, she treated everyone to “Wish on An Eyelash” and “Surprise Me”, but returned to the new record with songs like “The Worst Thing I Would Ever Do”, “Hocus Pocus”, “Ray Of Light” and “Defibrillator”. 

Joined by a live band, the production was so beautiful and added this sincerity to the soundscape as she visibly struggled with some of the more tender new songs. With a couple of her greatest hits sprinkled towards the end of the set, “Groceries”, “Teeth” “R U HIGH” and “Rockstar” had the singalongs extra loud, while “Horses” which was dedicated to her sister had everyone covered in goosebumps. Returning to the stage for an encore of “Virtue”, “Charlie” and “Hideaway”, she even took a moment to remind everyone the importance of voting.

The show was divided into feelings of dark and light, with the lighting and production complementing that vision. It was a poignant time capsule for this record, and while it wasn’t as directly warm and celebratory like some of her previous tours, this one did feel very special and important for her.  

Check out the full gallery captured by Gabrielle Clement BELOW:

Photos by Gabrielle Clement