Words – @ladylane____
Photos – @photo.amai
A musical change of pace was much needed as I trawled inside the NORTHCOTE THEATRE with the familial sense of end of week fatigue, I was excited to see the ethereal SYLVAINE and celestial being EIVØR.
SYLVAINE delivered a performance that felt less like a standard live show and more like a carefully shaped emotional journey. Beginning with the traditional “Dagsens auga sloknar ut,” she set an immediate tone of quiet reverence – her voice soft, fragile, and almost sacred – before “Mørklagt” built in layers of distortion. Rather than overwhelming the space, Sylvaine gently drew the audience into her signature blend of blackgaze and ambient textures. The centre of the set – “I Close My Eyes So I Can See,” “Restless,” and “Nowhere, Still Somewhere” formed its emotional backbone, pairing vast, shimmering instrumentation with an intimate vocal presence. The inclusion of the 40 WATT SUN cover “Restless” brought a grounded, melancholic weight that contrasted beautifully with the otherwise dreamlike atmosphere. In a particularly special moment, my partner politely requested the song, and Sylvaine graciously obliged – leaving him completely overwhelmed in the best possible way.
The set’s emotional peak arrived with “L’appel du Vide,” unfolding through slow, controlled crescendos that felt more like a release than an eruption. Sylvaine’s restraint defined the performance – never overreaching, yet always building just enough tension to fully captivate the room. She closed with the traditional “Eg er framand,” returning everything to stillness and completing a full-circle arc that felt both intentional and deeply cohesive. Free from spectacle or theatrics, the performance instead leaned on atmosphere, precision, and emotional sincerity, resulting in a quietly devastating set – immersive, reflective, and lingering long after the final note.
EIVØR’s debut solo tour of Australia stood apart from a typical live set, unfolding with a quiet confidence that immediately held the room. Her presence was steady and assured, drawing the audience in without force. Beginning with stripped-back arrangements, she gave her voice full space to lead – moving fluidly between soft, almost weightless tones and moments of striking intensity.
As the performance developed, she brought together elements of Nordic folk, subtle electronics, and driving percussion, creating a sound that felt layered and immersive. Songs like “Trøllabundin” and “Í Tokuni” carried a strong rhythmic pull, their looping patterns and vocal textures building a sense of momentum that was both hypnotic and controlled. The interplay between sound and lighting added depth, shaping each track into its own distinct environment.
EIVØR’s set moved fluidly through her catalogue, including “Jarðartrá,” “Salt,” “Gullspunnin,” “Trøllabundin,” “Í Tokuni,” “Enn,” and “Let It Come,” each contributing to the show’s carefully paced emotional arc. Rather than feeling like isolated moments, the songs blended into one another, reinforcing the sense of cohesion that defined the night.
In the final stretch, the energy didn’t erupt but instead softened, allowing the set to settle into a more introspective space. The closing moments lingered, leaving the audience in a shared stillness rather than a rush of applause. It was a performance defined by nuance and atmosphere, prioritising emotional connection over grand gestures.
I give my sincere thanks to SYLVAINE, EIVØR, NORTHCOTE THEATRE and Maric Media.
