From the moment tUnE-yArDs’ Merrill Garbus walks out on stage, stands before a completely hushed crowd and wails that first spine-tingling note, you know this is going to be a unique show. With the type of voice that glides effortlessly from husky singing to wild feral shriek to an almost yodel, Garbus proves a completely engaging performer from the get-go.
And that’s just the vocals. Though she’s accompanied by two saxophonists and a bass-player, Garbus is an absolute demon on the loop pedal, and tonight’s songs come replete with expertly looped vocals, wild syncopated drum beats and ukelele.
And as she showcases last year’s critically-acclaimed w h o k i l l, the live performance lends a whole new meaning to the album. Garbus’ performance is so utterly tribal and full of passion, it’s hard to take your eyes/ears off her. Largely informed by the time she spent living in Kenya, the tUnE-yArDs sound blends a heady mix of Afrobeat, funk, R&B and pop. Wailing, clicking, shrieking, her face contorting as she hits those insane notes, the audience is enthralled from start to finish.
The wild ‘Gangsta’ is a highlight, with its crashing drum beats, as is ‘Doorstep’, where Garbus reins in the mighty voice, proving she’s well able to sing a sweet and melodic tune too. It helps that she seems genuinely likable, joking with the crowd, and thanking us for being there. The pleasure was all ours. Merrill.