live music

Editor's rating

Venue: Koko, London
Gig played: 23 Jun 2009

Since they burst onto an unsuspecting live scene at the end of 2003, Noisettes have been feted for their staggering live shows.

Frontwoman Shingai Shoniwa is one of the most charismatic frontwomen of her generation, drummer Jamie Morrison looks and plays like Muppet drummer Animal, while guitarist Dan Smith knows his way round a torn, punkish riff.

In 2009, the South London trio have a hit to build on, recent No.2 single 'Don't Upset The Rhythm (Go Baby Go)', performed tonight with more brio than its recorded counterpart. Shoniwa even lies across Morrison's bass drum while singing.

If the focus is rightly on Shoniwa and her wicked fusion of Shirley Bassey soul and Grace Jones fire, the addition of two backing singers and a string quartet adds some welcome texture to the show. Visceral thrills of early tracks like the empowering 'Don't Give Up' and a colossal cover of T-Rex's 'Children of The Revolution' are joined by subtler, softly compelling moments.

The Killers' 'When You Were Young' is adapted into slowed-down Motown soul, but the truly breathtaking moment comes in Two Young Hearts album track 'Atticus'.

After a rope ladder is dropped from the ceiling Shoniwa climbs halfway up it to sing. Tonight's whooping crowd are delighted with this, but astounded when she leans back to croon while upside down.

Noisettes have lost little of the ragged intensity and affability which made their early gigs so much fun. Now they also have the confidence that comes with commercial success and the backing of a wider fanbase. The world is theirs for the taking.

Lou Thomas