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Writer's pictureKeiko

Live Performances: Part Two

Here are a few more of my favourite live performances from artists across the globe. To find Part One of this series, scroll down my 'Music Reviews' page! Let me know if you have a favourite live performance by sending in your suggestions through my Instagram Story.


1. Kimbra 'Plain Gold Ring'

Kimbra is a New Zealand musician who rose to fame after her collaboration with Gotye became a worldwide hit. With powerful vocals and an interest in a wide variety of music, Kimbra's musical palette showcases her talent for integrating melodies to create a unique spin on 'pop' music. Taken from her debut album 'Vows', Plain Gold Ring is a cover that was reworked and rearranged to reflect Kimbra's individuality as an artist and lover of music.

2. Rationale 'Fast Lane'

I discovered Rationale's music thanks to lead singer of Bastille, Dan Smith who has previously worked with the Zimbabwe musician on their mixtape 'Other People's Heartache'. I was lucky enough to see Rationale support Bastille during their 2016 Wild World tour and was amazed by his vocals and distinctive range. Taken from his debut EP, Fast Lane is a reflective song featuring minimalist accompaniment that displays the singer's talent for creating simple yet memorable melodies.

3. Aldous Harding 'Horizon'

This is one of those performances that truly had me transfixed from beginning to end. New Zealand musician Aldous Harding is a unique and expressive performer who conveys her lyrics in motion, as you will see in her performance with Jools Holland. Like Rationale's Fast Lane, the song itself is not complicated but relies on the steady chordal progression that simply sits in the background as the vocals take centre stage. Harding's haunting vocals are piercing as the lyricism leaves us entranced. This performance leaves a lasting impression.

4. Da-iCE 'I Got Your Back'

Taken from their album 'Every Season', this single incorporates the signature J-Pop sound with EDM/Pop influence that is reflected in the fast choreography. This performance was taken during the early stages of the group's career. The five piece, dance-vocal group have since gone on to sell out the famous Budokan stadium in Tokyo and have recently celebrated their ten year anniversary. This live performance is full of high energy and crisp vocals that never waver despite the intense choreography.

5. Foals 'Mountain At My Gates'

It's rare that I can vividly remember when or where I first heard a band's music. However, I do remember watching Glastonbury on TV and seeing this performance. Foals' music is creative and catchy and as a band they have evolved in their sound without straying too far from their math rock roots. This performance of 'Mountain At My Gates' is taken from their album 'What Went Down' (one of my favourite albums of all time). I was lucky enough to see the band perform in Cardiff Castle, and they sounded fantastic live.

Check out the performances in the links above and let me know which one is your favourite!

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