prolific.org

This may very well be the most exciting gig I’ve been to in years. The main act hadn’t even begun when I started thinking that. Opening act (and Savages producer) Johnny Hostile – and yes, he is, rather – was dramatic and edgy enough to pull me in, with Savages’ guitar player guesting on one song and their lead singer singing on another. The stark lighting certainly helped, the wall of ageing rock photographers covering front row for all of the show must have been wetting themselves. Although the guy next to me missed opportunities through his incessant chimping.

As for the main act, musically they had all the drive and intensity that their new album suggests. Guitarist, bass player and the drummer in particular are solid performers. Jehnny Beth’s strong voice is equal parts Siouxsie and Bjork but she seems a better singer than both. As for her performance, I’d expected something else. It’s hard to explain but although she was vocally convincing I didn’t quite believe her act, the power she seems to want to project. A little awkward, too much girl-acting-tough with the emphasis on ‘acting’. So when she balls her tiny fist and raises it, she looks hesitant, as if she can’t quite it believe herself. I certainly didn’t. Perhaps if she ditched the shiny red stilettos and put on some heavy boots she’d find her balance and look more grounded.

A thrill, with some reservations.