PRETTY LITTLE LADY? ANNA-CHRISTINA SOLO ACOUSTIC SET AT AVALON:
So why am I in this unlikely venue? I'm here to witness the first
'Official' solo acoustic set by Anna-Christina from Lilygun. This time
she is doing things differently and in Lilygun's downtime she is
stepping away from her full-on rock mode and taking her first steps in
singer/songwriter territory. Songwriting is nothing new to this lady as
she wrote all the songs on last year's long awaited Lilygun debut album.
However, she is now stepping out of her comfort zone and into uncharted
waters. Anna-Christina doesn't believe in taking the easy route - most
people in this situation would just play stripped down acoustic versions
of their band's existing well tried songs. No - that would be too easy!
Instead we get four never before heard songs and a cover.
This
series of solo acoustic gigs are going under the rather puzzling name of
'Pretty Little Lady?' Yes, the question mark is intentional - but why
you may ask as there is surely no question? Well this little lady is
puzzling so... The first song is actually called 'Pretty Little Lady?',
and once the lyrics hit home you begin to understand. This is actually
hard hitting stuff lyrically and there is quite a bit of venom in there -
directed at a person or persons unknown. The uncompromising nature of
the material continues with the second song 'Dirty Rotten Liars'.
Anna-Christina might look quite demure and unoffensive, but certain
people have obviously left her seriously pissed-off! Some of her songs
with Lilygun have dealt with some of the 'Scum' (her word) she has
encountered in the past, but now she is really letting rip and venting
her anger in a much more direct fashion! Although anyone attending
tonight wanting to hear Lilygun songs is going to be disappointed, there
is one song that most people will recognise - a cover of the Garbage
song 'Fix Me Now' - again showing a different side to this intriguing
lady - It's not all anger and attitude after all. Listening to the debut
Garbage album that this song comes from you see where Anna-Christina
draws some of her inspiration from. but of course that band's Shirley
Manson is another lady you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of!
The
turnout tonight is rather good - especially for an expensive upmarket
venue on a Tuesday night. Anna-Christina's set is very well received by
those present. The lady herself seems to rather enjoy the chance to vent
her anger as well - she looks quite relaxed and at home in this new
environment. There are a few more of these acoustic shows lined up and
I'm sure future performances will be even better. However, Lilygun fans
fear not - I hear are returning to the live scene in a matter of
weeks... As with the choice of her band name Lilygun, Anna-Christina is a
mass of contradictions. This softer acoustic approach still drips with
venom. And yet in spite of the aggressive nature of the lyrics in
tonight's songs, she adopts a much softer vocal style than she does when
fronting her rock band Lilygun. Is this the real Anna-Christina finally
starting to rear her head? I think the vocal style she displays tonight
sounds more natural - she is really allowing her voice to soar and
approach it's real potential. She sings well with Lilygun, but I get the
feeling she has been holding back for some reason and now her voice is
starting to fly. I think the real Anna-Christina is only just starting
to show herself - the chrysalis has started to open and the butterfly is
getting ready to emerge...
[Author: Dom Hemming - 26/2/13]
PRETTY LITTLE LADY? ANNA-CHRISTINA SOLO ACOUSTIC SET AT THE HORN - ST ALBANS:
Although she is appearing here tonight in solo acoustic mode
Anna-Christina isn't your typical laid back singer/songwriter. There may
be no elecric guitars or drums present, but don't expect the usual nice
innoffensive hippy hippy style songs about flowers and lovely summer
days in the country. No - this lady has axes to grind! The method of
delivery may be different from the power of her rock band, but lyrically
these songs pull punches! From the opening title track 'Pretty Little
Lady?' (the question mark is quite deliberate but you have to hear to
song to understand) it's very obvious Anna-Christina has things to get
out of her system and issues to deal with! The lyrics of the first
couple of songs in particular aren't for the faint hearted and obviously
come from bitter personal experiences. This method of expression seems
to be her therapy. Although Anna-Christina needs to vent, this series of
acoustic shows in and around London (more to follow) seems to be
working well for her as in spite of the less than cheerful nature of the
songs she actually seems very happy and to be really enjoying herself.
The 'therapy' is working! This is probably her best solo show yet as
although the venue is small and intimate it is actually quite busy. What
makes this show more of a triumph is that away from her London home and
the support of friends and family this crowd of people who have no idea
who she is really enjoy her set. The 'Pretty Little Lady' herself
obviously really enjoys playing for this very appreciative audience too -
the atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. I have a feeling she
will be back...
[Author: Dom Hemming - 10/3/13]
PRETTY LITTLE LADY? ANNA-CHRISTINA SOLO ACOUSTIC SET AT PROUD CAMDEN:
The 'Pretty Little Lady?' (her deliberate question mark) is playing a
Garbage cover - this is 'Fix Me Now' and is usually the last but one
song in her set - it looks like we've missed almost the entire set in
spite of being at (or outside) the venue when she was due to take to the
stage. It's a quite different sounding but good version of the song - I
think the vocals are better than the Garbage original and
Anna-Christina's voice really soars in a way she doesn't allow it to
when she is fronting Lilygun. The set finishes with new (for these
acoustic gigs) song 'Resolution' which goes down well judging by all the
applause. It's certainly interesting to see another side to the
intriguing Anna-Christina and I really like the way she uses a higher
part of her voice that people people who have only seen her perform with
her rock band Lilygun will be unfamiliar with. Talking of Lilygun -
they will be returning to the live scene next month and will be one of
the last bands ever to play at the famous Bull & Gate before it
closes as a music venue...
[Author: Dom Hemming - 17/3/13]
Its been such an incredible journey so far and I feel like the best is yet to come! What started off as a college assignment with my first story, 'March of The Ants', has turned into this wonderful project and I have enjoyed every minute of it!
