It was a stroke of luck getting the chance to see Lorde perform at such a small venue just days after she reached #1 spot in the US (and just before stealing the same crown in the UK).  Then again it is not like Lorde was one of those “best kept secrets” because Madame JoJos was heaving!  Her joke about us all being “f**ked” if there was a fire was a little too frighteningly close to the truth.

The show itself was interesting.  At the time I wasn’t too familiar with many of her songs so it was very much an educational set, one I enjoyed.  I liked the way she fuses minimalist dance-pop tunes with some really dark undertones.  It was this fusion of light with a sense of macabre that made the performance, for a newcomer to her music anyway, captivating.  The air of acute social commentary alongside tales of youthful rebellion made for great pop music that works on multiple levels; for the head-nodders at the front and the more concious types listening intently at the back.  At times it did get a little too intense, however these moments seemed to be quickly offset with something to wiggle to (if you could find the space).

Lorde’s show felt like a celebration of youth; all of the highs and desperate lows wrapped in to easily digestible four minute segments.

It would be stating the obvious that she’s destined for big things, she’s already there.  I look forward to the tricky second album and seeing what she talks about next.  The folly of celebrity?  The transition from nothing to stardom?  Whatever direction she takes I’m looking forward to listening to the autobiography Lorde chooses to share.

Rob