Lindsey Stirling – Powerstation April 19, 2017

Lindsey Stirling brings the violin swirling and swooping into the 21st century with her ecstatic blend of classical pop.

As we sat waiting for the night to begin, Paul McLaney appeared on stage in full black clothing. We wondered what he’d sound like but jumped up to watch as his simple melodies floated over intricately fingered acoustic guitar. And trumps to him for powering through the loudly chattering crowd.

After McLaney’s set, we sat and waited for a further half hour, curious as to what the night would bring. Soon enough, drums began to fill the room and suddenly through the blinding lights, the violin was heard. Prancing onto the stage Stirling appeared wearing a white shirt, with the writing “BRAVE” (referring to her tour name) written in sparkly black over a leopard print, accompanied by sparkling red suspenders. Her classic red hair was in a high ponytail with green and white streaks. Accompanying her was a simple band set-up, Drums (Drew Steen), keys (Kit Nolan) and two elegant back up dancers. She gracefully leapt and bound across the stage, never missing a beat on her titular instrument.

Theatrics aside, Stirling never let the room forget the roots holding the show together, she is a masterful player. Never has a violin looked, felt and sounded so cool, so raw and emotive. But still It was during the quiet, focussed performances that we wondered how long it would be until the novelty of a dancing violin show would wear off. However, her personality also shone through in these sections, a more raw, human side enabling an easy connection with the vast selection of onlookers.

The crowd was instantly hooked on her every move, she kept us on our toes never letting the attention slip. With costume changes and moments of acoustic, soul bearing intimacy, Stirling’s bubbling and electrifying personality became contagious. We could feel what she felt as her violin wailed and soared with yearning melodies, filling every corner of the room.

Performing some of her bigger hits including Shatter Me, a Lord Of The Rings Medley and an acoustic version of Something Wild, she always looked as though she was having just as much fun and wonder as the crowd.

Her unexpected vocals were a delight to our ears. A pure, clear sound flowed effortlessly, although it’s delicacy was at times drowned out by the waves of bass and snare gushing from the band.

Each stage change was fun and involving, never a quiet or dull moment whilst we waited for the new costumes and set ups. The group managed to maintain the crowd’s full attention, playing Feeling Good as Lindsey’s tour manager, Erich Jackson, came out holding a large sign reading “Intermission.”

Her last song was a shock to the system. After a loud ‘Encore’ chorus from the fans, the whole group returned to the stage, and it almost seemed like the show had re-started. Stirling and her band danced around with even more bounce, bringing the high energy once again.

What a unique and fun way to spend an evening.

Harry Parsons & Indigo Harding

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