Accompanied by just a guitarist and a bottle of water, as the lights dim on Beth Orton at Camden’s Roundhouse, emotions run high as I await the edgy beauty of her dulcet tones.
Commencing her intimate set with ‘Moon’, Orton instantly captivates the seated crowd with her alluring crystal clear vocals. Following on with another track from 2016’s Kidsticks, ‘Wave’ showcases her ability to write perfect indie-folk ballads.
Expressing her gratitude for us being there with an endearing, witty charm – “It’s like a big fuckin’ hug” – she continues her set oozing a sweeping emotive power, casting us under its spell in an instant. Treating us to an array of offerings, new and old, each song flows seamlessly into the next with smooth serenity, and it remains impossible not to lose yourself in the emotion-filled splendour of this prolific artist.
With personal highlights including the soaring heartfelt grace of Trailer Park‘s ‘She Cries Your Name’ and the sparkling bliss of Comfort In Strangers’ ‘Shopping Trolley’, I remain as completely spellbound by Orton’s seemingly effortless allure and immaculate melodies as the first time I heard her enchanting creations as an emotion-filled teen.
Interspersed between classics such as ‘Central Reservation’ and ‘Stolen Car’, Orton continues to charm the crowd by thanking everyone involved in this special ‘In The Round’ performance, including the woman who did her (very pretty) hair.
Returning to the stage for an encore of Kidsticks’ ‘Dawnstar’ and closing the set with another personal favourite ‘I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine’, Beth Orton has proved that, after over twenty years of making music, she’s still got it. She has left me utterly captivated by her truly exquisite, heartfelt creations; and I can’t help but feel privileged to have been a part of this extremely special evening of music.
Mari Lane
@marimindles
Get In Her Ears 