Aldous Harding @ the Commonwealth Room 09.22.2026

Across from Harding was the crowd — quiet enough to hear any personal conversation, yet none to be heard. Photo: Ethan Clewell.

Image: Ethan Clewell

Concert

The bassline comes in, followed by the shaker and the harp coming together while Aldous Harding sings. The New Zealand art pop singer commands the crowd, not with an overpowering voice, but with one that cuts through the music.

Across from Harding was the crowd — quiet enough to hear any personal conversation, yet none to be heard.

Along with the crowd’s quietness was the set. The lighting was very simple, and it was a true live listening experience, followed by the loud applause of the crowd after each song. The night was full of music.

Aldous Harding took the stage on Tuesday night at The Commonwealth Room. The experience was a quieter musical journey. Her set ranged from some of her older work like “Zoo Eyes” and “Imagining My Man” to her latest album, Train on the Island, with songs like “One Stop” and more.

It was not Harding alone on the stage; she was supported by a full band made up of H. Hawkline (bass and guitar), Harry Bohay (guitar and steel guitar), Gwion Llewelyn (drums and trumpet) and Mali Llywelyn (keys and harp).

The band really shone in solos during the latter half of the set and into the three-song encore, even picking up with some more electric instrumentals placed throughout the entire set.

Opening for Harding was Sam Burton, with the support of Big Search. Their set was stripped down, with the two men playing acoustic guitars.

Burton, originally from Salt Lake City, expressed his gratitude to the crowd, mentioning that his parents also came out to support him. —Ethan Clewell

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