anika in london

I went and watched an electro opera about Charles Darwin, with music written by The Knife. Probably the most bewildering thing I have ever tried to understand. Here is a photo:

My reaction to this character was: huh?

He did a lot of strutting and rolling on the floor a bit. He didn’t say anything.

Then there was this girl:

I was like: what?

She did a lot of twirls and wandering about.

Then there was this chap:

Here is a thought that I had in my brain while I watched him:

Q: What is he carrying?

A: Looks like a thingy you’d take camping.

Q: Why is he carrying that?

A: He’s going camping? Oh wait, no he’s not.

Q: Why is he wearing that jumper?

A: Cos it’s a bit pretty and probably warm and practical in winter.

Then I decided to just accept I do not understand him.

Let’s focus on this lady instead:

She did lots of operatic singing that I could not understand and had to watch the subtitles above the stage. She was singing in English but she just sang a bit funny. She did lots of slow walking and moving about.

These guys thought they were in the Matrix:

Yes, I understood a whole 0% of that 80 minute performance.

Barbican says this, of the opera:

“The opera presents an image of Darwin that above all reminds us that the world is a place of remarkable similarities and amazing diversity. That over time – tomorrow, in a year, or tomorrow, in a million years – change is inevitable. “

It was very pretty to look at and the dancing was great and the music sounded wonderful, but all I could think was WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT?!??!!?!? Visually stunning but so confusing.

I did enjoy it though and I’d love to watch it again so maybe I understand 4% of it or something.

Holly Miranda at The Borderline

Holly Miranda is one of those acts for whom I do that thing where I go to all their shows. Because she is incredible and I’m quite happy to watch someone being incredible repeatedly. Jolly lovely!

I know I’ve been harping on about how fantastic she is alot, but I really can’t urge you enough to check out her songs. Her debut full length ‘The Magician’s Private Library’, released this year via XL, is one of my favourite albums of 2010. It’s gloriously dark and rich. Her voice is something special.

The show at the Borderline was Holly’s first headline show in London; it was a treat to hear her and her band play a full set. Sweetly, the show was sold out and the crowd were really into it. I love that. So great to see someone making great songs getting deserved recognition.

The band is made up of Holly, Timmy Mislock on guitar, Will Carl Cameron on bass and David Jack Daniels smashing the drums. They are an incredible band. The setlist was made up of most of the songs from ‘The Magician’s Private Library’ including ‘Forest Green Oh Forest Green’ and ‘High Tide’ which I hadn’t heard them do before. They also did their brilliant cover of Yoko Ono’s ‘Nobody Sees Me Like You Do’. They played a bunch of new songs, ending the set with ‘Pelican Rapids’. It’s completely stunning and totally amazing. The bass slide in that song and the cacophony and clamor that follows is completely euphoric.

They returned for an encore of Etta James’ ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ and ‘Joints’. Holly’s voice is filled with so much soul and beauty.

What a special show.