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‘A fresh era for the outspoken cult heroin’ – CLASH

‘What being an artist is all about’ – The Guardian

‘Fearlessness defines her every step’ – DIY

‘Ticks just about every box when it comes to being a pop star’ – Evening Standard

‘girli is using her platform to ignite conversations around feminism, sexuality and mental health’ – Gay Times

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After many years of waiting, beloved, sapphic brit-pop sensation Girli, otherwise known as Amelia Toomey, brought her “Matriarchy” tour down under, with Brisbane duo Juno to support. After nearly 10 years of traversing the indie-pop scene with her cyber-bubblegum punk infused tracks, Amelia has never shied away from using her art to be vulnerable, and speak about what she’s passionate about. From earlier songs like “Girls Get Angry Too” to her lead single for her highly anticipated new album, “Matriarchy” the singer manages to create a glittery, pink daydream that anyone could fall in love with. 

Ahead of the new record, Girli created a physical manifestation of her “Matriarchy Mansion” in the form of a virtual world. It’s a gorgeous, pastel themed Victorian era mansion, with rooms filled with photo frames of important queer icons in history, a diary filled with entries by the singer and a room dedicated to fan art. 

Girli managed to replicate this atmosphere perfectly at her own shows, with microphones wrapped in flowers and fruit, small frames with photos of female icons scattered on the stage and a backdrop featuring artwork of figures Girli holds close to her heart. One of the historical figures she talked about was Julie d’Aubigny, a 17th century lesbian swordsman, who was known for kissing a young girl at a ball, to which she duelled three men and won. 

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The gig took place at the “Laundry Bar,” a moody setting, perfect for an intimate gig. The room was packed with an array of people, all dressed in colourful attire and glittery makeup, and I felt right at home. As the lights dimmed, and the first act “Juno” entered the stage, the whole crowd stilled and directed their attention to the stage. The Brisbane based duo, consisting of Khalia Ferguson on keys and vocals, and Sam Woods playing the bass. 

Their sound ranges from bright and upbeat with songs like “Moonboy”, to mellow and groovy like “Come Thru”. Accompanied by disco inspired basslines from Woods and Ferguson’s angelic, soulful voice drifting above it all, their set ended with their most recent single “I’m The Man” and the whole room radiated with joy.

In wake of a brilliant set from Juno, the crowd was buzzing in anticipation for Girli to grace the stage. After a brief wait, Queen Laya (Girli’s backup singer) and Sara Stix (Girli’s drummer) bounced onto the stage, breaking out into “Nothing Hurts Like a Girl” as the singer herself came onto the stage, beaming in her chunky star earrings and her “Hail the Matriarchy” baby tee. She kept the energy high as she broke into her older tracks like “Not That Girl” and “Girl that I Met on the Internet” the bubbly anthems had the whole room moving with Girli’s presence.

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After playing “Be With Me”, a delicately catchy track about learning to love your own company, Girli stunned the audience with her powerful duality as a vocalist, as she proceeded to belt vocals for “Friday Night Big Screen”. Throughout the set, she played two unreleased tracks from “Matriarchy”, including “Out of Breath” and “Feel my Feelings.” Though the latter was a slightly slower, intricate ballad, they both lived up to the ongoing themes of queer joy and rebellion that Girli is crafting around her music.

“Hot Mess” was definitely the highlight of the setlist, as Laya and Amelia sang and performed choreo to accompany the lyrics in perfect synchronicity, it was the perfect addition to the already charming, magnetic force of the track.

For the encore of the show, the band broke out into fan favourite “More Than a Friend”, pausing afterwards for Amelia’s final monologue of the night. She took the time to thank everyone for attending, explaining how this was her biggest show on the tour, and her first time headlining in Australia. She then went on to discuss the meaning of her final song of the night, “Matriarchy”: “Apart from the dictionary definition of the word, it means more than that to me. It means a space where you can just breathe, and exist, and be who you want to be. That’s what I want my music to feel like, that’s what I want my shows to feel like. And that’s why I named the album “Matriarchy,” so you can come into my world with me.”

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As the title track played, the small bar reverberated with the sound of the audience singing along with Girli, as she smiled and danced around the stage. She has such a high spirited, shimmering energy that completely enamours you, and the gig flew by me as I realised she was waving goodbye to everyone. 

Girli has blossomed into a powerful artist, with a passionate and colourful cult following. The atmosphere she lends to all her fans, and her vigorous growth as an artist pays off, and getting to be surrounded in it that night was like a portal to a prettier, pinker world. If you love fun, sparkly, queer pop music, be sure to pre-save Girli’s new album “Matriarchy”, which will be available to stream on May 17th, 2024.

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Follow GIRLI
Instagram – Facebook – Twitter
TikTok – Spotify

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Press Release 27th February 2024 (below) HERE

North London pop provocateur
GIRLI
announces
‘MATRIARCHY’
Album Tour for April 2024
with special guest
JUNO

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AMNPLIFY – DB