Katie Coyle - London Electric Ballroom - 20/03/12 - Live ReviewFolk starlet shocks the Electric Ballroom with a stellar performance at secret show
That tickets for this gig were only handed out randomly in Leicester Square hours before the show was due to begin speaks volumes for the stature that Katie Coyle has elevated herself to over the last 18 months. Despite the short notice, the Electric Ballroom is packed to the rafters with Katie Coyle fans, eager to catch a glimpse of the star one last time, as she warms up on home soil for her trip to the Far East with Nadia Berry next month. The professionalism and pizazz with which she delivers her special performance tonight also makes sure that everyone dedicated enough to attend goes home with a smile spread across their face.
Support on the night was provided by Coyle's producer, confidant and friend Josh Meyer, the awkwardly charming American pianist, who's set is greeted with a generously warm reception. His half hour in the limelight is mostly filled with jazzy and ambient numbers, his confidence shining through as he opted to play his entire set without any backing from a band. Highlights of the soloist's set include a rendition of "Heroes in the Mist", a song from his decade-old debut album, and his own version of Riot! in The Boulevard's hit single "All the Non Believers".
However, the night is reserved for one special lady, and her arrival on the stage is masterfully preceded by a blast of Motley Crue's hit "Girls Girls Girls", the hilarious dig at herself not lost one anyone in attendance. From the moment she reaches the stage though, it is clear to see how much Katie Coyle has changed of late. Her demeanour sees her transformed from the dismal and dark character of old, and her white flashing smile betrays the sadness which was once so readily associated with the starlet. Dressed in a flowing black dress and jacket, the folk artist looks relaxed and confident. Seeing her feel at home on a stage has been a rarity up until this point, and it makes a welcome change to encounter her in such a mindset.
Starting her set with her latest number one single, Take The Blame, Coyle finds herself playing to a hometown crowd which is every bit as happy to welcome her as she is to be there. She scarcely stops smiling as she races through My Smiles Don't Matter, It's Only My Eyes and Mrs Appleford's Snowdrops, hitting each track with a real zest and energy which has often been missing from Katie Coyle live shows in the past.
Breaking from the music to greet the crowd, the highlight of the set comes at the halfway point, when Katie decided to introduce her three-week old son Lucas to her fans. The reaction was clearly too much for the young mother, as she wiped away a proud tear standing at the front of the stage holding her baby. However, tears were scarce on this largely wonderful evening. To hear Katie Coyle joking with the crowd and firing one-liners at her backing band is something no one would have expected at this time last year. Even a suicidal microphone standing, seemingly throwing itself from the stage at one point, cannot derail Coyle, who on top of her game like this is a joy to behold
As the main set came to a close with a rousing rendition of "Invanity" and new track "When You Left Me", Katie tinkles the ivories with a skill rivalling that with which she is known on guitar.
All that remains then is the encore. And what other way can it end than with the biggest Katie Coyle song of all? The folk singer barely even has to open her mouth during "Naked on Paper" these days, such is the volume with which the audience, any audience, always seems to sing it back to her. Leaving the stage with a smile and an energetic wave, it is clear to see that Katie Coyle is revitalised and ready. With Nadia Berry in tow, it seems that the Far East is in for quite a treat this spring and summer.
Speaking afterwards, Katie told Culture Uncut: "This was a really great night. I had been feeling nervous about heading out on tour, because the stage has never been all that kind to me in the past. But knowing that I'll have my best friend Nadia beside me, and with how well this went tonight, I feel ready to go now. The fans were wonderful, my band was on form, and I feel like I really managed to show people what I can do tonight to the very best of my ability. It was wonderful."
Rating - **** 