With her new album Portraits out right now, Vancouver’s own Louise Burns hit the Biltmore Thursday night for a release party celebration. Unfortunately the combination of an early show and other celebrations (of the birthday variety) prevented me from seeing the openers for the night — both Michaela Slinger and Biawanna — but I got there just ahead of Louise Burns hitting the stage with a backing band that included some Vancouver all stars like Jody Glenham, Rob Tornroos, Eric Breitenbach and Darcy Hancock, as well as the sensual sax solos of Dominic Conway.

Starting off the set with the first song off the new album, “Like A Dream”, Burns went through nearly the whole album, as well as some old favourites. New songs like the darker “Clowns”, a heartfelt ballad “Everything You Got” showing off the power to her voice, and the infectious “Cry”, my early favourite off the album. Other highlights included the dark and sinister “Who’s The Madman”, and the stage bathed in green lights for “Emeralds Shatter”.

After nearly an hour, Burns thanked everyone for coming and admitted they only had a few left and weren’t bothering with an encore, capping off the set by raising the energy; first with the the tropical and deceptively upbeat “Just Walk Away” and then the tempestuous “Storms”.

I had a sneaky early listen to the album before seeing Louise Burns play, and I would say without a doubt, it’s her strongest release yet. And her live show definitely backs it up. It’s always a treat to see Burns perform, and this was perhaps the best she’s ever sounded.

setlist
Like A Dream
Cry ***
Over You
Cheers
Emeralds Shatter
Cherry
Who’s The Madman
Ruby
Clowns
Everything You Got
Just Walk Away
Storms