Ambling past relaxed diners at Dempsey House on a Friday night, I was lured towards the dimly lit Camp Bar, where a small crowd had gathered for the event of the night – the (much belated) launch party for Amberhaze's album "Then We Saw The Stars Again".
Amberhaze is Giuliano Gullotti, a one-man act which started back in early 2007 and is currently signed under Kitty Wu record label. Since its release, "Then We Saw The Stars Again" had garnered positive reviews from music critics locally, regionally, as well as internationally. He was also recently nominated in the Best Electronic Act category at the Junksounds Awards 2009.
He began his set with no time to spare. The room's lighting was appropriately dimmed (with only a purple lamp on at the background) in coordination with the music style of Amberhaze – the somewhat dark, twisted indie and electronica beats; yet at the same time filling listeners with hopes, fears and freedom to dream ahead and beyond. A background screen displayed visuals and sceneries, transporting attendees to various venues, times and mindsets, while still being rooted to the ground in reality.
Performing tracks off his new record, including "Crush", "When You Sleep", "A Certain Affinity", just to name a few; there were also several other covers – most noticeably St. Vincent's "Actor Out Of Work" – which his wife provided vocals, and the live audience were presented with the charismatic performances of Giuliano and his wife.
Striking casual yet amusing conversations with the audience throughout the one-hour performance – such as the cheeky, first and foremost introduction of the laptop as one of the members of his band, and the special dedications to people whom he had worked with so far – it felt more like a heart-to-heart private showcase rather than an album launch. Midway through performing, his watch and guitar strap came off, but the man was so focused in playing music that he continued on as though nothing in the world had happened.
Even though he had to do a little "shameless plugging", as Amberhaze said so himself, for his album before wrapping up the event, one could observe what he does is for the passion of music; and that all he wants to do is to make good music that he, himself, and us, others, can truly enjoy.
~ By CJ, Ooostage feature writer
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