She Makes War
She Makes War nails it at OPEN.
Time to nail my colours to the mast. She Makes War is one of the most intriguing artists to come to my attention in the last few years. Fantastic sets at NAC supporting Drugstore, Voewood with Glen Matlock and the UEA opening for The Levellers and The Beat introduced me to two inventive and exciting albums.
Tonight marks the first time that I have seen Laura Kidd headlining her own show and She Makes War didn’t disappoint with over an hour of what Laura herself, perhaps self-depreciatingly, describes as gloom-pop. From opener Shields to closer and set highlight Scared to Capsize, this is a captivating set. By singing, playing guitar and ukulele and sometimes looping what she is playing and singing, Laura produces a glorious pop noise recalling Blur, ELO’s less pompous moments or the poppier side of Radiohead.
Throughout, this is a confident (but never brash or arrogant), warm-hearted and humorous performance.New album Direction of Travel will be out later this year and is available to pre-order though Pledge. Do yourselves a favour, put an order in now. It will be a stormer.
9.5/10
