Regina Spektor in Wolverhampton
written by Stuart on February 10th, 2007
Regina Spektor & Only Son, Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall, February 6th 2007
Journeying through England’s industrial heartlands on a frost-ridden winters afternoon, to a venue with all the charm of a postwar office block, one could have been forgiven for having low expectations for the forthcoming evenings entertainment. From our taxi driver en-route to the train station, to the car-full of pot smoking yamyam yokels who enquired who we were going to see, the name ‘Regina Spektor’ was met with with puzzled stares; even we didn’t know who the support act were.
However…
Having fallen in love with Miss Spektor. Mesmerised some months previous. We spent the heady weeks after buying our tickets anxiously awaiting what we were convinced was going to be something a bit special. Because of that, and her new found popularity, we couldn’t work out why the opening night of the UK tour wasn’t sold out, and quite why it was in Wolverhampton.
Surveying those first to the scene, a reassuringly (in most cases) young crowd; ably patrolled by a member of Regina’s street-team, soliciting for new sign-ups on her mailing list (You promised not to sell our email addresses) and handing out badges, we queued, like proper English people, despite the sub zero temperature and communal desire to get front and centre.
After the hour long build-up, during which the crowd grew to almost fill the hall, a shambling apologetic young man took to the stage - greeted by heartfelt cheers by a those of the crowd who perhaps realised he wasn’t a roadie (we didn’t and were pleasantly surprised) the Regina faithful were treated to a number of ‘world premieres’ from Only Son. Reminding us a little of the Flaming Lips with a helping of Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, he treated us to 45 minutes of true New York songwriting flair, not once let down by his apple-branded backing band - fist-fight narrowly averted.
Sated, though still expectant we were finally greeted by the shining face and diminutive figure of the lady herself, launching straight into an unaccompanied effort; her voice stemming the ecstatic welcome and demanding complete attention. Seated and apparently full of energy in spite of the shyly reported jetlag the room was alternately absorbed and full of admiration as she drew us in with songs full of emotion and power and self-consciously acknowledged the crowd’s appreciation. Favourites like On the Radio, Better, and Samson met rapturous applause from all but the unhappy gent to our right who was more concerned with grumbling about everything from the setlist to the volume of each song’s reception. Wanker.
It was probably our imaginations but Regina seemed to stare each member of the crowd unflinchingly in the eye as her vocal chords flowed longingly over quieter notes before reaching achingly for intense, as often uplifting as bleak moments, wide eyes screwed shut hands hammering at the keys before her, or the chair at her side (she plays a chair - and well - too). Each commanding utter devotion to the sound and prompting dropped cameras. Twice in our case, much to the amusement of the two girls infront of us.
The typical gig-going experience this was not. Regina, whether in character or genuinely, absorbingly, special - takes her brand of songwriting and leaves you convinced that this is the way live music, and live musicians really ought to be. We’re sold, though maybe we were beforehand, and will be following the tour to it’s Manchester leg next week, though probably without the gushing review to accompany it.
Stuart & Oli
Popularity: 7%
we are geeks but I don’t care.
roll on thursday night I say.
Jealous.
As you should be Frenchman, I’ll let you know how the next gig goes on Thursday :P