Anna Calvi – In Concert at Route du Rock – August 16, 2014 – RFI/FIP
Ending out the week with a concert by Anna Calvi, recorded during the 2014 Route du Rock Festival on August 16, 2014.
There was something very special about the 2014 season of Route du Rock. It was, for all intents and purposes, an embarrassment of riches, with each of the many performances by the vast range of bands and artists achieving milestone status.
Anna Calvi’s set was no exception. The sheer power and range of her voice was overwhelming – and I don’t want to be a spoiler, but wait until the last number to get an idea what I mean. Anna Calvi is truly amazing.
The band is totally top-notch. Everybody is on the top of their game during this show (at noon, no less), and it’s a complete pleasure to listen to, and listen to over again.
A little background on Anna Calvi if you aren’t already familiar:
In 2011, Calvi burst onto the music scene with the release of her eponymous debut album, “Anna Calvi.” Met with critical acclaim, the album showcased Calvi’s distinctive sound and visionary songwriting, earning her a coveted spot on the prestigious Mercury Prize shortlist. Tracks like “Desire,” “Suzanne and I,” and “Blackout” captivated audiences with their visceral intensity and haunting beauty, solidifying Calvi’s status as a rising star in the world of alternative rock.
In the years since her debut, Anna Calvi has continued to push the boundaries of her artistry, exploring new sonic landscapes and delving deeper into the complexities of the human psyche. Her sophomore album, “One Breath,” released in 2013, further solidified her reputation as a visionary artist, earning widespread acclaim and cementing her status as a modern rock powerhouse. Tracks like “Eliza,” “Sing to Me,” and “Piece by Piece” showcased Calvi’s evolution as both a songwriter and performer, delving into themes of love, loss, and existential yearning with a newfound sense of depth and maturity.
If you haven’t been introduced to Anna Calvi yet, this is an excellent place to start. But I would urge you to go after her other material to get the complete picture. There is always something several notches special about a live performance – the audience, the adrenalin, the vibe – all those things. This concert in particular, they were all working in unison.
