Gig Review: Lonelady at The Bodega

I have to admit to being indebted to my mate Dave for this one. He called me late on Sunday evening He had just noticed that Lonelady was playing at the Bodega, did I want to join him? I didn’t think I had heard of her, but was keen to go along anyway.

First up was Emzae, the support act. An engaging performer playing and singing her own compositions on electric guitar or keyboard. Some really catchy pop tunes delivered with style. She has already had some BBC 6music airplay. She was clearly enjoying herself and played her very good new single Extraordinary at the end of her set.

The Bodega had been gradually filling up as the evening progressed. A distinctly expectant buzz. Lonelady took to the stage to much applause. Lots of people clearly already fans. Julie (Lonelady) on main vocals, guitar and keyboards was joined on stage by a standing James Field on Simmons cushions and Roland drum pad. With Kendra Frost on Keyboards, electric Bass and backing vocals. The first track exploded out of the speakers. All thumping Electro beats. Elements of 80s industrial sound polished with modern samples. This isn’t music you put on and chill out to, it demands your attention. Put some on before you go out for an evening. Almost immediately all heads are nodding. When she starts her distinctive rhythmic singing I realise I have heard and enjoyed her on the radio before. There is something very familiar about the sound too. Inspired by Martin Hannet she has further developed his ‘Warm vocal and cold drums’ style of production.

She has just released her third album Former Things. Her productions getting more and more interesting. Signed to the excellent Warp label, her first album Nerve Up saw The NME calling it a ‘Unique, brilliant debut’ and drawing praise from the legendary Paul Morley. Her second album Hinterland, had all 4 single releases A playlisted on BBC6Music. She also got a Sky Arts nomination for Best breakthrough artist.

As the band settle into their set we are treated to some seriously driving beats with Lonelady’s precisely toned guitar riffs, described as “intricate and propulsive”, cutting through and enhancing the rhythms. She is joined on some tracks by Kendra playing her bass with a tone reminiscent of New Order’s Peter Hook and really laying down solid foundations. It is interesting to watch James standing at his kit. Kick pad on the floor, drum pads at waist level, and a couple of hexagonal pads at head height. Once Lonelady gets to her track (There Is) No Logic from her most recent Former Things album I am reminded of Sensoria by Cabaret Voltaire. It is no surprise to discover later that she worked with Steven Mallinder from Cabaret Voltaire in 2015. The heavy drum sound and cut up vocals are very reminiscent. Here we have a set of “Punch and Crunch” electro, cut through with pop and R’n’b. There is high energy throughout, inspiring the audience to move. Great set and a really good sound from the system at The Bodega. I am very pleased that Dave brought this to my attention and judging by the high quality of the music and performance, I expect when she next plays here it will be at the bigger Rescue Rooms venue.

Lonelady performed at The Bodega on Tuesday 1 February.