All photos by Charles Nickles
Almost an hour late from the original schedule,Emma and the rest of the band including the opening act Jaye Jayle’s lead vocalist and bass-player. enters the stage. The environment surrounding the band are perfect. Small venue, stripped stage backdrop and a public on the chop for every upcoming note. Emma seems to be happy but she’s not the person that are talking a lot between the songs. She let the music speak for itself and thats not a negative aspect. During the performance and when she speaks.she talks about the meaning of the lovely songs. Darkhorse of her latest release are dedicated to her sister, one other song was about a man who didn’t understand how good he are.
The first songs of the performance are a bit undifferentiated soundwise but on the third song “Protection” things starts to happen. The instrument reaching out without the blurriness. Emma’s voice sounds clearer, more vulnerable and are super-intensive but with an warm feeling not many artist has. When she sings “I am small but in your arms ,you are colder in your heart , i am worthless in your arms ,but you offer this protection no one else has given me” it feels in every cell that she means what she sings about.
The band backing her are on their toes all time and make the small moves between the heavy aspect of the music and the calmer parts. The instruments are flowing seamless between the chords and it’s wonderful. The band are very attuned and looking to be happy with each other.During the performance there’s no questions who’s the leader of the band. Emma directed the band with small nods and to the one who doesn’t pay attention to it it’s like a subliminal message but it’s effective and helps the band to bring out the best performance for a long time.
The audience seems to be aroused by everything Emma does on stage and many people doing likewise the bassplayer. Eyes closed and with a small smile on their lips.
The only negative aspect of the performance I can come up with is that it’s too short. After asking the audience if they want the two last songs with the band or solo Emma decide to do one with the band and one of his own. The concert are ending in the best way with You Dont’ Have To Cry and Shadow of Your Name (does the genre have a better song) before Emma leaving the blackened room and the crown with a heart of emptiness.
Sargent House ,the record label has a glimmering diamond with Emma Ruth Rundle. This performance was way better than the one I saw on Roadburn but it leaves me and the rest of the crown eagering for much more.The world of today needs artist like her. To bring a positive feeling in life in general and sometimes to help us forget the world of today.even if it’s just for a moment. Thanks for the brillancy Emma!
Upcoming dates:
October 28 Gothenborg, SE @ Skjul Fyra Sex/Skjulet +
October 29 Copenhagen, DK @ Hotel Cecil +
October 31 Rotterdam, NL @ Rotown +
November 1 Groningen, NL @ Vera +
November 2 Paris, FR @ Petit Bain +
November 3 Manchester, UK @ Soup Kitchen +
November 4 Bristol, UK @ Rough Trade +
November 6 Glasgow, UK @ Stereo +
November 7 Newcastle, UK @ The Cluny +
November 8 London, UK @ Oslo +
November 9 Kortijk, BE @ Sonic City +
November 30 Nashville, TN @ The High Watt +
December 1 Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn +
December 3 Dallas, TX @ Double Wide +
December 4 Austin, TX @ Barracuda +
December 6 Albuquerque, NM @ Sister +
December 7 Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar +
December 9 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo +
December 10 San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop +
December 12 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios +
December 13 Seattle, WA @ Barboza +
December 15 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court +
December 16 Denver, CO @ Lost Lake +
December 17 Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room +
~ Solo Shows
* w/ Chelsea Wolfe
+ w/ Jaye Jayle
