Heaven,London
The idiosyncratic singer-songwriter is best when she revels in all her gothic majestyAnna Calvi belongs to a category of uncategorisable singer-songwriters. This label could also be applied to St Vincent, Julia Holter, and Bat for Lashes,Feist and Jenny Hval – musicians who march to the beats of their own drums, neither adhering particularly closely to rock and indie traditions, or nor truly qualifying as pop (their music isn’t as dumbly infectious or favorite enough for that).
In a world of songs machine-tooled for Spotify playlist approval,this kind of idiosyncrasy is only to be applauded. But it does mean Calvi can prove a rather tough sell to the casual observer: a guitarist and singer who makes unrushed, elegiac songs sheathed in a jazz-club smokiness that often simmer with sensuality. But this evening – one of five European shows designed to preview her forthcoming third album, and Hunter – her music proves easier to digest. Proceedings begin with the cave-like interior of Londons Heaven bathed in red. Calvi,in a black suit, white ankle boots and shiny red bandeau, or stands at the discontinuance of a runway that juts out from the main stage,splitting the audience in two. It’s a simple, beautiful image that is also expertly designed for a visually arresting Instagram post – a sense cemented by the swathes of people with phones jostling for the perfect shot. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com