Winnipeg got a dose of Aussie sunshine on Saturday night as Lime Cordiale with American singer-songwriter Windser rolled into the Park Theatre for the very first time. The venue buzzed with anticipation as the crowd, that was near capacity, eagerly awaited the arrival of these two rising stars.
Windser. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Opening the night was the singer-songwriter Windser and his band, captivating the audience with their brand of smooth indie pop. Their setlist weaved a tapestry of relatable themes – "Desert Song" and "Trouble in Paradise" painting pictures of yearning and wanderlust, while "Friends I Barely Know" and "Lose You" explored the complexities of relationships. Soaring vocals and a tight rhythm section propelled them through fan favourites like "July" and "Capsize," before "Paris" and "Memory" provided a mellower closing stretch.
Lime Cordiale took the stage next, and the unwavered energy in the room exploded in excitement. Opening with the driving beat of "Imposter Syndrome," they immediately established a connection with the audience. Their infectious blend of indie rock, pop, and reggae had the crowd swaying and singing along to every word, whether it was the laid-back groove of "Money" or the party anthems of "Naturally" and "Country Club."
Lime Cordiale. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
The band showcased their playful side with songs like "Screw Loose" and "No Plans," before launching into the introspective ballad "The Big Reveal." A cover of The Divinyls' "I Touch Myself" added a touch of nostalgia to the Aussie's set, while "Ticks Me Off" and "Temper" brought the energy back up before a singalong rendition of "Randy." The set started towards its culmination with the high-octane tune "Robbery," leaving the crowd wanting more.
Thankfully, an encore featuring "Dirt Cheap" and "Inappropriate Behaviour" sent everyone home with a smile on their face. Lime Cordiale and Windser proved to be a winning combination, delivering a night of catchy tunes, good vibes, and a taste of the Australian and California music scenes. Here's hoping their Winnipeg debut won't be their last.