Robyn, The Astoria, June 8th
Robyn, The Astoria, June 8th
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Thursday, 12, Jun 2008 11:33
Arriving at the Astoria, the first thing that catches the eye is the sheer number of people sporting the same totalitarian hair cut as the diminutive Swede.
It is obvious that Robyn attracts some exceptionally enthusiastic fans, and they are suitably appreciative when she bounces onto the stage to Cobrastyle and unleashes her own unique brand of dance moves.
Flanked by the two drummers in her backing band she is in her element onstage, playing both to the crowd and the photographers. The slick electro-pop of Who's That Girl? is note perfect, but a mercifully brief medley featuring the Kinks' You Really Got Me and Salt-n-Pepa's Push It was perhaps a little ill-advised.
Thankfully things are redeemed by a storming run through of Konichiwa Bitches complete with projected karaoke style lyrics. The crowd are treated to all of her singles including an underwhelming Handle Me before finishing things off with Be Mine! and the shiny but slightly directionless With Every Heartbeat.
The crowd lap it up and she returns to the stage for two encores including some of her older material, a stripped down reprise of Be Mine! and a sing along run through of the music hall style Jack You Off, before leaving to rapturous applause.
Robyn pushes all the usual quirky electro pop buttons and at times things sound a little too slick, partly due to over reliance on pre recorded backing. Similarly the danger of descending into some comprehensive cheese is sometimes all too close, as with the piano only version of Be Mine! and her fondness for leading the crowd in a spot of synchronised waving.
Nevertheless, she proves that there is more than a little substance and talent behind the hype, showcasing some strong vocals and genuine on-stage charisma. It is the consistent quality of the songs that really elevates her above her peers however. So while it may not be anything too groundbreaking, or a really great live experience, it certainly is some well performed, undeniably fun, top notch pop music, something which is worth celebration in itself.
John Beck