likely found the success of her 2004 single “Breathe Me” to be a mixed blessing.
Sure, its use in “Six Feet Under,” during one of TV history’s top tear-jerking series finales, ushered in a career high for the cool yet approachable Australian-born singer-songwriter. That HBO show capitalized on a haunting tome that not only brought closure to the storylines of much-loved characters, but invites listeners to relate with their own personal reflection.
The obvious downside to that level of mainstream glare is that pop pundits will assign an artist like Sia to a certain category –- the wistful songbird, perhaps, or the thoughtful grrl-rocker.
But this performer with longstanding chops that include stints with the likes of Jamiroquai, Zero 7 and Massive Attack, proved Thursday night at that she fails to fit easily into a prescribed stylistic box. Commanding a stage blanketed in striped textiles behind garishly-colored knitted striped afghans with her named spelled out in pompoms, Sia’s casual, light-hearted way engaged the audience as quickly as her palatable music.
It doesn’t hurt that she possesses a singing voice that one feels in the bones — a strong, distinctive timbre that easily oscillates between sad lullabies and buoyant disco-soul numbers. And it follows that Sia enjoys a friendly give-and-take with her solid fan base, a group that brings her handmade gifts, knows her hobbies, her dog’s name, and has listened to her through five eclectic studio albums.
Sia treated this audience to an enjoyable, easygoing show that wrapped up old songs and new. Highlights included “Clouds,” “Little Black Sandals,” “The Girl You Lost to Cocaine” and a trip-hop-infused take on Madonna’s “You Can’t Hurt Me Now.”
Follow Reverb on Twitter! !
Elana Jefferson is an editor at The Denver Post and a longtime music fan.
Lucia De Giovanni is an award-winning photographer and photojournalist. You can view more of her work on her and follow her Project 365, a Photo a Day, on her .
