Live Review

Juliette Lewis – Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

• 26th Oct 2009

Juliette Lewis comes on stage at 9.40pm on this chilly autumn evening after a prolonged musical introduction by her very talented new band. With nothing short of a glam outfit on and a red veil to initially cover her face, Lewis takes the next 80 minutes to show this crowd that she means business.

Although you may think her style in both music and fashion is paying homage to rock of yesteryear like Kiss, Aerosmith and many a 70’s icon, you’d be wrong. She is more their equal than any current modern artist playing today. She really knows her shit, and I mean REALLY knows her shit. Blowing the crowd away with song and song after song. She doesn’t hold still on the stage for too long, never really seems to get tired, and if she does then she knows not to pause for breath whilst she’s singing.

And did I mention the singing? I entered with no doubt in my mind that she could sing having heard others opinions and seen her sing in film. Anyone else remember her PJ Harvey cover in the film ‘Strange days?’ But she goes right up in my estimation to the kind of voice that should be rocking out stadiums.

It seems to be sheer agility and pure talent that comes with this passion, and she makes you leave wanting to laugh at half of your CD collection you have back at home. Lewis kicks them all to the ground and then delivers a severe beating.