one4review | On 14, Oct 2024

Huge potential. One to watch.

Being Support for any artist is a tough gig. It’s seen as a right of passage for some, others an endurance test, not only for the performer but at times the audience, and they will let you know.
Writer/performer/producer Pearling (Glasgow based Morven Kemp) is the first Support act for Aurora at the resplendent Usher Hall.

Only downside is she has to start her slot on time, and due to huge crowds trying to get in outside, the audience are slowly are trickling into the main hall.

She turns a potential mountain into a molehill. Dressed in customised prom/wedding dress that wouldn’t out of place in a Tim Burton movie, a deck and box of tricks centre stage, moody blue lighting she takes charge, kicks things off with the title track from her recently released album Lovelocket followed by pop perfection Wildfire. The crowd is getting bigger, drawn in with the “Fairy Pop” vibe. (a name given by her big TikTok followers on her musical stylings). Couldn’t have put it better.

Next track is the unreleased Blue Crush Flower, which was written in her bedroom. She’s in her element now, using the full stage to her advantage and backed by her two dancers Luxx and Kirsten.

Highlight of the evening is Swirly Circus Girl and while one of the shortest numbers vocally it shows off her lovely wispy voice in front of the mix with the rest of the track. Next is the slightly slower paced Another Life, which wouldn’t out of place on an 80’s Peter Gabriel album and the crowd are enthralled.

The beautiful Kiera ♡, with a slightly lo-fi start the builds up nicely and a pallet cleanser before the last song of the evening Water Baby. It’s as close to an anthem as she’s played with hints of other Glaswegian alumni Chvrches and New Order coming through.

It’s a short set but delivers. Pearling is becoming something of a big deal online and has definitely won over new fans tonight.

Next to the Young Fathers, one of the best emerging artists from Scotland for some time.

(Image courtesy of Blair Kemp, the artist’s brother)

****
Reviewed by Steve H
Edinburgh Usher Hall
5th October 2024