Live Review

Lana – The Flowerpot, Kentish Town

• 9th Nov 2009

The flowerpot in Kentish town is a pretty cool space to see a few bands; being spacious enough to have odd sofas of varying dilapidation strewn about the place for that Camden faux dive feel, but with enough nooks and crannies for an intimate concert experience, it has a definite edge over the average live music pub in London. Tonight it hosts an eclectic trio of acts, brought together for the admirable cause of Love Music Hate Racism. Anglo-Spanish singer-songwriter Lana is second on the bill and is also celebrating the launch of her new single ‘Ruthless’.

The Flowerpot’s cool, chilled vibe is the perfect accompaniment for Lana’s brand of retro pop. The singer-songwriter take the barely-elevated stage over in the corner and works through an agreeable set of her own material – each a tight, catchy number that combines vintage pop sensibility with the feisty singer’s unique style. It’s easy enough to discern the influence of jazz, soul, blues and rock n roll on Lana’s work, and the result is appropriately toe-tapping enough to congest the small dance area.

The aforementioned single goes down particularly well, but Lana’s whole set highlights her talent both for writing a good song and for live performance; she has a compelling stage presence and charms the appreciative crowd with between-song banter. The acoustics at the Flowerpot aren’t great but Lana’s terrific vocals are on clear display against the tight performance of her backing band.