Lucy Kruger played in Lido on Friday 5th May.
Lucy Kruger is a singer from South Africa, and until not too long ago was known more for acoustic guitars and more classic singer songwriter stuff. Recently though she seems to have gone through something of a sea change: think Patti Smith and/or PJ Harvey.
A well-orchestrated sonic onslaught that sucks you in, spits you out, and then waits for you to come back of your own accord
Kruger has a somewhat limited voice but has learnt to use it to good effect, and the well-rehearsed band behind her makes sure that this instrument is just the focal point in a well-orchestrated sonic onslaught that sucks you in, spits you out, and then waits for you to come back of your own accord.
It’s not often you see a band that’s comprised of four electric guitars, bass and drums. Even if the 4th guitarist swapped her guitar out regularly for an effectrified violin – and the wall of electrified sound that the band puts out is impressive, ululating, swelling and sinking back into itself before swelling again.
Some deep seated anger emerging that she seems to be physically ridding herself of
Kruger meanwhile bestrides the stage, looking as if she’s moving physically through the sound waves, calling out and calling on her band members, intermittently snarling and howling into the microphone, some deep seated anger emerging that she seems to be physically ridding herself of, with her voice as well as with her physicality.
Just as the band does the job of an orchestra, the concert feels too somewhat like an orchestral piece, moving up in scale and intensity as the catharsis continues, rising in intensity until it drops us gently back down again, and leaves us reeling and oddly sated.
Featured photo by Hankyeol Lee / concert photos copyright Noel Maurice
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