Regina Spektor @ The Astoria
The pleasingly central location in London of the Astoria was the setting for one of the many NME-branded Award Shows, showcasing a diverse range of headliners and a larger than normal set of support acts. First up to support Regina Spektor was Only Son, an unintelligible New Yorker who gained nothing from the sound setup in the venue. Using an iPod as his backing band, he strummed his way through a series of unremarkable yet fairly pleasant songs. He ended his set with a bizarre 'acceptance speech' for nothing in particular which no one could understand.
Next on stage were Brinkman, a three piece London band playing fairly standard Britpop, but an enjoyable performance with the standout track being the heartfelt A Real Thunderbolt which has been a favourite of mine for a few weeks. Sweden's Love Is All were the third support band, and they were very Swedish indeed. Punky, energetic indie pop with a shouty female singer and enthusiastic saxophonist who refused to allow Regina Spektor's grand piano, taking over much of the stage, stop him from pogoing about as much as possible.
After more music over the PA from a DJ with a Radiohead fixation (5 tracks were counted through the course of the evening), Regina Spektor made her way onstage and delivered a stunning unaccompanied Ain't No Cover and from then onwards she had the crowd transfixed. The majority of her set came from her two most recent albums Soviet Kitsch and 2006's Begin to Hope. She also played fan favourites such as Bobbing for Apples and Baby Jesus.
For the second half of the set, Regina was accompanied by a band, unlike her most recent visit to the UK. Songs like Carbon Monoxide and Better were reproduced far closer to their recorded counterparts than had previously been seen at Regina's shows.
Regina was amazing, showing off her vast range of vocal talents as well as piano and the odd bit of guitar. Her personality shone through the songs; no other performer could ever get away with covering her. A truly captivating, brilliant gig.
