FIB Album Review of the Week: Perennial by Vera Blue

Australian singer songwriter Vera Blue ups the emotional intensity and proves her musical genius in her debut album ‘Perennial’. With ballads like ‘Mended’ and ‘Lady Powers’, it’s no wonder the 23-year-old has made her mark in the industry. FIB attended her album launch in Sydney to report back!

Celia Pavey, known as Vera Blue in the music realm, showcased her debut album ‘Perennial’ in front of 500 VIPs and yours truly, at Paddington’s Town Hall last Thursday. Blue, who initially flaunted her impeccable pipes to the Australian public through Channel 9’s ‘The Voice’, introduced her first debut album under her newly appointed stage name, Vera Blue. 

Known by friends, family and industry folk as being incredibly down to earth, Blue naturally brought an angelic and authentic presence to the stage at Paddington Town Hall, which the crowd lapped up. As Blue joked with and thanked her fans for making her “heart very full”, her sense of comfort in her own skin shone through. For someone of her age and position within a demanding music industry, her poise is pretty refreshing. 

During her time in front of the crowd, the singer explained that her horticulturist father actually came up with the album’s’ title, ‘Perennial’. Blue went on to describe that similar to the cyclical nature of Perennial plants, her album is an aural portrayal of “growing back year after year”, in between the highs and lows of previous relationships.

Whilst Blue’s previous tunes too, seamlessly fuse her mutual love for folk and electronica, the raw nature of this album chronologically traces her journey through relationship breakdown to personal rejuvenation. Although broken into 3 chapters, the album as a whole gives a unique insight into the singer’s vulnerable side and highlights her potential to absolutely rock the socks off the music industry.

‘Mended’ in particular, is a contemplative song about an old connection that despite ending years ago, has not yet reached a point of closure. Co-produced with industry heavyweights Andy-Mak and Adam Anders and musically engineered by Manny Marroquin who has previously worked with the likes of Rihanna and Sia, the long ethereal chords throughout the track create a sense of nostalgia and meditation over the past. Yet, Blue’s enchanting vocals are the foundational feature of the track that works in tandem with the melody to create a beautiful piece of music. This personal and incredibly raw piece gives listeners a sweet taste of what her accompanying 11 tracks have to offer.

If you’re lucky enough to catch her at her upcoming gig at Splendour In The Grass, you’ll be lucky enough to indulge in Blue’s mellow aura and treat yourselves to her new tunes that will have you swaying in a trance. As for all those who can’t make it, you’ll have to wait for her album’s release on July 21st – you definitely won’t want to miss it.

Stay tuned for our interview chat with Vera Blue coming soon!

Check out Vera Blue’s video for ‘Private’ below.

You can get tickets for her national tour here!

Tour dates to catch:

FRI 21 JULY – SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS – BYRON BAY, NSW

FRI 28 JULY – THE ACADEMY – CANBERRA, ACT

SAT 29 JULY – METRO THEATRE – SYDNEY, NSW

FRI 4 AUG – THE GOV – ADELAIDE, SA

SAT 5 AUG – METROPOLIS – FREMANTLE, WA

TUE 8 AUG – TAP HOUSE BENDIGO, VIC

WED 9 AUG – GRAND HOTEL – MORNINGTON, VIC

FRI 11 AUG – 170 RUSSELL – MELBOURNE, VIC

SAT 12 AUG – THE WOOL EXCHANGE – GEELONG, VIC

FRI 25 AUG – THE TRIFFID – BRISBANE, QLD

SAT 26 AUG – THE MILLS PRECINCT – TOOWOOMBA, QLD

SUN 27 AUG – MIAMI MARKETTA – GOLD COAST, QLD

THURS 31 AUG – UOW UNI BAR – WOLLONGONG, NSW

FRI 1 SEP – THE BEERY – TERRIGAL, NSW

FRI 8 SEP – BAR ON THE HILL – NEWCASTLE, NSW

SAT 9 SEP – ODEON THEATRE – HOBART, TAS