Ani and co bound on stage with all the energy of a bursting 'skittles' rainbow. The set list, expectedly topical to the upcoming elections, showcases songs from a 20 year back catalogue with new versions of Fuel, In The Way and As Is setting the crowd on fire, and a pounding rendition of Napoleon leaving not one foot untapped or one person silenced with the union scream of 'everyone is a fucking napoleon'. The band are tight and more alive than ever, there is a new energy on stage, a lightness, a calm, a love for the music that is as infectious to the on looking crowd as foot and mouth to a field of cows, minus all the death. Xylophone solos, double bass solos, drum solos and the ever stunning slap guitar rhythms of the little folk singer bring the seated to their feet and the feeted to the dance floor. New songs, half finished songs and fresh tunes from the new album sit proudly amongst the classics with equal vigour and applause.
Vocally Ani is stronger than I’ve ever heard her, lighter on her feet and bounding around the stage. The chemistry between her and her band is a delight to watch and an even greater delight to listen to. The only fault, if I were forced to find one would be the lack of chat, I’ve never known Miss Difranco so quiet and, equally, the set was missing that one tiny poem, but tonight was about the music, all about the music and a new love that she seems to have embraced in it. As a friend of mine said "that was the kind of good that breaks your heart a little".
As for the encore, who could have asked for anything more, Both Hands followed by Overlap, both delivered with the same youthful spirit they were written with all those years ago but with the added knowledge that comes with age.
Check out a fine performance of Present/Infant, from the new album ‘Red Letter Year‘, beautifully performed by Ani and drummer Allison, whilst the rest of the band take a breather off stage. A lovely little song for her baby daughter…you really cant help but smile or, alternatively, stand in the corner and watch one smile spread across the audience; aaawww.
And just for fun and some damn fine guitar playing, Gravel; it’s a classic and a fine opportunity to be a little bit show offy.
Hats off, equally, to Anais Mitchell and Hammill on Trial for some stomping support and, for the first time in many many whiles the Forum (Kentish Town), who managed to deliver a rather splendid show on all fronts.
yum. yum. double yum.
Posted In Live Reviews, Nov 01 2008.
Words - Rebecca