BETH ORTON- The Junction, Cambridge 25.9.16
Of course, it is her latest offering, Kidsticks (her sixth studio album) that she is here to promote, remaining steadfastly in the folktronica camp that most people would associate her with, but with more of a nod towards the tronica bit than in recent ventures. I cant read music. I follow the coloured stickers to know where I have to play and some f*cking c*nt has moved them around for my first song, she says slightly shyly, not really convincing anyone that this in any way affects her talent for songwriting. From the playfully cool, 80s-heavy bass of 1973 to the simply mesmerising Snow, these new tracks, combined with a softer version of what is still a characteristic vocal, are so strong in their arrangement that they blow classics like Stolen Car and She Cries Your Name clean out of the water. Hell, even the guitarists sex face didnt detract from what was a truly stunning show. Seriously, he loves to play guitar. He gets away with it. He plays it well.
Anyway, in short, it is an absolute privilege to see tonights performance, a true artist that has paved the way silently for so many of the contemporary female artists we know today, perhaps willing to be in the background, definitely focusing on music-making rather than hype. It feels like here is someone that would die if they couldnt create music. A rare treat from someone that can truly create and so hold her audience captivated, all that is left to say is thank you for a truly unforgettable evening and thank you for having the balls to just be you. Your new album is amazing. Words and Pix : Anna C Thanks to 9PR for letting us in too.
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