Review of Robyn in Concert in NYC
Swedish Electro-Dance Singer Performs at New York’s Grand Ballroom
Robyn played a duo of intimate concerts in New York City this weekend in support of her excellent self-titled dance album.
In support of her new album, Robyn, the pint-sized singer from Sweden gave an electric performance at New York City’s Grand Ballroom on May 2.
Looking somber and street-tough, she emerged on stage dressed in black stretch pants and a winged black blouse, a mop of platinum hair covering one half of her face.
Reaching the mike, all inhibitions dissipated as she broke into a pounding version of “Konichiwa Bitches” stirring the intimate crowd into a frenzy.
Though her album only came out in America days before, the crowd, an energetic collection of edgy youth and core gay following, sang along with every lyric.
As expected from an artist with a limited repertoire, she sang all the hits, much to the delight of fans. Her renditions of “Handle Me”, “Be Mine” and show-stopper “With Every Heartbeat”, remained faithful to the album recordings, even sounding better live.
While low on theatrics, Robyn entertained the crowd, who had waited nearly 2 hours to see their star, with the grace and energy of a seasoned pro.
Robyn at Virgin Mega Store NYC
The previous night, Robyn gave an intimate free concert and record signing at New York City’s famed Virgin Mega Store in Washington Square.
Halfway through her set she stopped for crowd interaction. Scanning the floor she commented on how lucky she was to have such a beautiful looking fan base.
Surprised that most people knew the lyrics to her songs, she stopped singing midway through “Be Mine” and allowed the crowd to chant in unison “you're a selfish narcissistic psycho freaking bootlicking Nazi creep and you can't handle me”, much to the delight of the screaming mob.
“Two months ago I didn’t even know you existed”, she beamed afterwards and took a breath of gratitude.
At the end of both shows she re-emerged onstage for an encore where she performed a stripped down version of her 1997 breakthrough hit “Show Me Love” accompanied only by a drum machine.
Closing the show on a high note, she belted out a high energy version of “Jack You Off” from The Rakomonie EP where she danced like a punk rocker.
Both events portrayed a shining debut from one of this year’s break through artists. Robyn's one to watch in 2008 and one to catch in concert now before she explodes and her venues expand beyond the intimate settings she currently fills.
Robyn plays Toronto tonight and wraps her short North American tour in Los Angeles on May 17.
