Live Review: Jesca Hoop @The Kazimier

Posted on 14 May 2010
By Will Weir
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Jesca Hoop is currently making waves in the music world and tonight she performs her unique cabaret meets acoustic stylings to the Kazimier in Liverpool.

The Moguls begin the evening with a sound that seems to invite the audience into their spell.

The three stubbley indie-type guys on stage may not be sirens, but their music is none the less beguiling; a gentle indie style with trimmings of folk.
Second on the bill is Ragz, with a supporting band including box drummer, guitarist and violinist.

Although the music at some times feels a little dated, the pure talent, exceptional vocals and enthusiasm makes up for this as a live performance.

When describing Jesca Hoop’s sound Tom Waits offered “Her music is like going swimming in a lake at night” . . . and for once he kind of makes sense.

Hoop takes to the stage and begins with a small story telling which immediately captivates and engages the crowd.

Her first track is immediately unnerving whilst generating a deep curiosity as it mixes plucking guitars with fairylike tambourine and deep battlefield drums.

Jesca Hoops music is talking to your soul not your ears, like a cautionary tale.

It’s full of quirks and so it seems is her performance as she turns a retro/traditional telephone into a microphone with the vocal effect to match. She appears to borrow elements of cabaret, yoga and Hula dance as she gets into the flow.

Both Hoop and her band make the evening feel very warm as they quickly whisper to each-other changes to a track to include colloquial Liverpool lingo – which is welcomed with laughter by the audience.

At one point the rising star goes into discussing the glory of macaroni cheese; saying she offered some to an eight year old and he refused – to which her thoughts responded “You are not a real boy!”

A member of the audience also introduces her to Twiglets, which initially is thought to be make believe – until another audience member exclaims “I make them” and provides the necessary recipe.

Jesca Hoops set is full of charm and exudes style. She finishes the night with an a cappella track, walking through the audience without a microphone as she sings.

Photos: Chris Huffee

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