Agnes Obel

Danish singer songwriter Obel’s songs generally ply a close line between mournful, soft piano based ballads and twee sentimentality with cooing vocals. Live however, she struck a more powerful note, with her simple but beautiful voice and backing players revolving between cello, violin, autoharp, keyboard, drum and more. Their parts were intelligent and well composed, a far cry from the often simple arrangements that adorn pop performances. The louder parts were most effective and striking, with a percussive and dynamic new song impressing and even a My Bloody Valentine style screech out (using strings rather than guitars) a surprising, visceral treat.

All Saints Church, 21 October 2014

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