Review: Ally Row - Strings, Spark & Pure Joy

Nov 24
3 min read

“Ally Row didn’t just step onto the King River Tavern stage —they ignited it with harmony, heart and a spark that grew into a bonfire.Their music didn’t just fill the room, it brought every person in it closer together.”

A night where Ally Row proved that joy, chemistry and real stories can lift a whole room into one shared moment.

- Musician: Ally Row -

After the explosive energy of The Michael Ward Trio, the King River Tavern wasn’t cooling down anytime soon.

If anything, the River Room was warming up for something different — something glowing, heartfelt, and irresistibly human. And that something was Ally Row, the powerhouse duo of Alice and Rowan, landing in Albany for the final stop on their WA tour.

The atmosphere was already buzzing. Michael himself was front and centre during their set — vibing, dancing, cheering them on, and hopping around the stage with a camera like a proud older brother.

That’s the magic of the King River Tavern: artists don’t just perform there, they support each other, lift each other up, and make sure the whole room feels involved.

A Hoedown That Pulled Everyone In

As soon as Ally Row hit the first notes, you could feel the crowd snap to attention. Their string work — crisp, fast, and full of colour — pulled people from the bar, through the doors, and straight onto the dance floor. Within seconds, the room was alive.

From my spot behind the camera, I watched toddlers bouncing, teenagers spinning, parents laughing, and grandmas two-stepping with zero apologies.

That’s the beauty of Ally Row: their music doesn’t divide people — it collects them. For a night, the whole tavern was breathing in the same rhythm, sharing the same joy.

Two Souls, One Flame

Individually, Ally and Rowan each bring something remarkable to the stage.

Together, though?

They create a bonfire.

From opposite ends of the stage, you can hear the way their voices and instruments weave. You can see the spark bouncing between them — the kind that only forms when two people are completely in their element and fully trusting each other.

Partnerships are funny like that. We all bring our own gifts — one person balances, one person steadies, one person pushes, one person softens — and the magic is in how it all meets in the middle.

The Voices: Smoky Light & Velvet Depth

Ally brings a kind of warmth and shimmer that’s instantly disarming. Her storytelling between songs, her openness, and those sweet, smoky, melodic vocals draw you inward — like she’s singing to you, not just the room.

Then Rowan opens his mouth and out comes that deep, velvet, effortless tone — the kind that shouldn’t be possible while he’s surrounded by instruments and quietly minding his business. He might look like part of the band until the moment he sings… then you realise he could only ever be part of this duo.

The Instruments: Twelve Harmonicas, A Banjo & Guitars

It’s impossible not to talk about Rowan’s harmonica setup — not one, not three… thirteen (if I didn't miscount!).

Most of us struggle to master a single harmonica, but Rowan switches between them like he’s choosing sample flavours at an ice cream shop.

And when he picks up the banjo? The whole room moves.

You can’t fight it.

Your feet betray you every time.

Their instrumental chemistry is wild — tight, joyful, and technically brilliant without ever losing heart.

When Artists Are in Their Element

There is something sacred about watching someone do the thing they were clearly put on this earth to do.

That’s what an Ally Row set feels like. The rest of the world dissolves, the noise fades, and all you’re left with is passion, presence, and two people giving everything they’ve got.

It’s captivating.

It’s uplifting.

And it’s impossible not to dance, sing, or at least tap your foot along.

Humble Hearts, Huge Potential

Before the show, Ally and Rowan were at the door taking tickets, chatting with locals, and running the merch table with the kind of kindness and humility you don’t always see in this industry.

But the moment the music starts, you can feel it — this is only the beginning for them.

We’re watching early flight, the first few beats of wings that are built to soar.

So if you’re craving real stories, musicianship that gets your heart thumping, and a night full of joy, connection and movement — do yourself a favour and go see Ally Row.

A full article coming soon from my sit-down chat with Alice and Rowan from Ally Row!