Melbourne-based songbird Ali E’s new single “Two By One” is one of the most intriguing songs I’ve heard in some time. It feels like it could come from the soundtrack of a western film. There’s a bluesy quality to it and a real sense of theatre. I love the way Ali’s gorgeous voice interplays with the string section. It’s so different, the kind of song that could never simply become background music.
Ali E is currently touring the country with the Up Your Guts tour, along acts including Scotdrakula, Scott and Charlene’s Wedding, Ben Wright Smith. Here are the remaining dates for that regional tour.
28 July 2016 – The Loft, Warrnambool
29 July 2016 – Shadows Nightclub, Mt Gambier
30 July 2016 – The Exeter, Adelaide
31 July 2016 – Spencer Hotel, Whyalla
03 August 2016 – The Desert Cave, Coober Pedy
04 August 2016 – Monte’s Lounge, Alice Springs
05 August 2016 – Jackson’s Bar, Tennant Creek
06 August 2016 – The Heritage Hotel, Grove Hill
07 August 2016 – Railway Club, Darwin
Image used with permission from Dizzy Heights
While her first single “So It Goes” saw Ali E being introspective, “Landless” takes a different approach as Ali E packs her bags and charges forward. There’s a real sadness to the song, but the intermingling guitars and drums and Ali E’s powerfully resolute vocals ensure things never feel too gloomy. This isn’t a woman running away from her failed relationship; she’s moving on.