Sigrid Raabe bounced onto a tiny stage, fizzing with energy, and launched straight into her recent single "Sucker Punch". Following her recent support slot with George Ezra, this concert was the 22-year-old Norwegian's big thank you to fans who have recently been supporting her. It wasn't just a gratitude gig. This was a special "all age" event in a suburban nightclub and the whole thing was over by nine o'clock. That didn't stop moments of goosebump exhilaration coming thick and fast.
Partly it was down to the sheer quality of the material. Sigrid may have only just released her debut album but her offbeat melodies already sound like the work of a seasoned hitmaker. The first four tracks of the night included two of Sigrid's biggest hits so far. "High Five" currently has 16 million views on YouTube and when the audience joined in the massive chorus it pretty much raised the roof.
It also raised a huge grin on Sigrid's makeup-free features. As usual the singer looked every inch the girl-next-door in t-shirt and jeans. Cynics have speculated as to whether this unasuming image is part of a marketing ploy. But judging from her genial banter, the girl from the Fjords really is as authentic as she is talented.
Accompanied by a tight four-piece band Sigrid took simple delight in her extraordinary voice. On the quirky power-pop numbers her vocals mixed elements as diverse as Sia and Charli XCX. On "Dynamite" she sounded more like Adele moving from a supple lower register to high soaring notes. "Don't Kill My Vibe" alternated between bell-like clarity and harsh edges.
The bands' musical dynamics were similarly pronouncd. "In Vain" went from passages of delicately plucked guitar to bass notes that practically shook your fillings. As the sub woofers reverberated Sigrid shook her head rhythmically.
Even on the most delicate numbers she couldn't stop moving. Her moves included a boxer's bounce, some hip circles and various arm movements that could have come from an aerobics class. Like fellow Scandinavian MØ, Sigrid's dancing style was decidedly more athletic than raunchy. This went down particuarly well with the teenage girls on the dancefloor who did their best to emulate it. As did the younger girls up in the balconies
Sigrid, of course, resonates particuarly strongly with young females, drawn to her authenticity and charisma. But last night's concert felt more than just a way to bring the junior fans along. It seemed more like a family event in the way a wedding is. Kids, teenagers, young adults and old adults all got equally stuck in.
The only real disppointment of the evening was that it was over so quickly. The nine pop-meets-indie tunes only lasted for a little over 45 minutes, By the last song of the evening - "Don't Feel Like Crying" Sigrid may not have quite exhasted her repertoire, but she wasn't far off. If she can come up with another half dozen numbers, things bode very well for her solo UK tour later this year.
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