It’s the first time night of Nilüfer Yanya’s long and winding tour, one that will take her across Europe, the US and back again over the next few months. Apart from a few sporadic appearances (festival/in-store), it’s also her first show since 2019 and first since her new album, ‘Painless’, was released last week.
With this in mind, there’s an understandable tension/energy that seems to spread even through the crowd (shuffling awkwardly, speaking in low whispers even between sets) and support act Léa Sen. She delivers her danceable bedroom pop well enough, especially ‘Hyasynth’ and the new song she ends with (apparently written on the train up and unfinished!). But there’s something about the set that feels slight, perhaps just nervy.
Nilüfer Yanya takes the stage with a full band, though the drums are hidden away in the corner and only used sparingly. Yanya’s stabbing guitar pulses dramatically in time with her unique vocal tics, giving a punchy urgency to songs like ‘Baby Luv’, ‘Same Damn Luck’ or a great cover of PJ Harvey’s ‘Rid of Me’.
The most striking element of the performance is the prominent saxophone, especially during the early parts of the show. The excellently-named Jazzi Bobbi Driessen lays down haunting sax lines that underscore the sprightly indie-rock made the by the rest of the band. Sometimes it’s bellowing and occasionally it throbs, but the inclusion adds a welcome layer of oomph to soon-to-be hits like stabilise and midnight sun.
Everything sounds uniformly good but, as with Léa Sen, it sometimes just feels a tad flat. St Luke’s is only perhaps three-quarters full and there isn’t too much movement, except for the exquisite gallop of ‘In Your Head’ which elicits a few wobbles and bobs. It’s a shame because Yanya is a brilliant artist and talented performer. But, it’s the first night and I’m sure she’ll only grow in confidence as the cobwebs are shaken out.