Marina & the Diamonds, Bush Hall, 23 February 2010

Marina and her sparkling Diamonds outshine the rich grandeur of Bush Hall and its chandeliers tonight. Taking to the stage coughing and spluttering with a fierce cold and yet to a roar of appreciation and a few ‘I love yous’ from the eager audience, she begins the night’s proceedings with ‘Girls’ from her debut album released this week, “The Family Jewels”.

It takes very little time at all to realize that Marina not only owns the stage but also has the utmost respect and admiration of every single person in the venue tonight. Backed by a superbly tight rhythm section, Marina is given the freedom to use her sensational vocals as she desires, jumping over her substantial range, her melodies flowing with a character and definition about them that is really spectacular.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the heritage of Marina’s sound; first impression suggest Bjork, Florence and early Blondie, though she undoubtedly has something about her that must be seen to be understood. As the set begins to grow, there’s a fear that there may be a lack of variety to Marina. However, just as the seed of doubt begins to sprout it shrivels away as Marina takes to the piano alone. Her note-perfect dulcet tones send shivers down the spines of the notably silenced Hall as she sings ‘Numb’.

However it is, understandably, her most recent single ‘Hollywood’, which gets the largest reaction, though the highlight of the evening is a charismatic performance of ‘Oh No.’ At the end of the show, there is a shared feeling that what’s just been seen is something very special. Marina has proved tonight that not only is she a superb vocalist, an enticing performer, a charming person, and an excellent song-writer but that she is above all a star in her own right.

Words: Jacob Wheldon