MØ
When Danish electro-pop singer cancelled last November's UK tour, including the date at Norwich Open, the reason given was that 'the new show isn't quite ready yet'. It was a disappointment for fans who had not seen her perform in this region since her Latitude appearance back in the summer of 2016, which itself came two years after the release of her debut album No Mythologies To Follow. However last night's re-arranged gig at the Nick Rayns LCR proved beyond doubt that not only is MØ back, but she is firing on all cylinders. There may have been a few problems in changing the date and venue – some original ticket holders were given incorrect door times, and the advertised opening act Maya Law did not materialise, but MØ herself absolutely triumphed in front of an adoring audience.
Opening act, and support on this tour, came from Skott, an enigmatic Swedish artist whose soaring vocals, graceful hand movements and long embroidered coat create a dark mystical air amidst the rich shadowy light. Backed by a three piece band – keyboards, guitar and drums, Skott creates an atmospheric vibe that is one part moody-electro, one part Kate Bush, and delivers visually in a Game of Thrones inspired kind of way.
The stage is re-arranged leaving just podium plinths at the back for drummer, guitarist and the keyboards player/programmer. A track-suited MØ bounds onto the stage, and launches into Roots, the opening song from last October's When I Was Young EP. The big chords of single Nights With You lead us into a set that seems to tick all the right boxes for tonight's audience – no brand new material, but a generous mix of familiar singles and EP tracks, and a smattering of older material from No Mythologies To Follow. And all the time MØ is moving across the entire stage, prowling like a cat, engaging with the crowd – making eye contact, crouching down and reaching out to the front rows, from where extended arms reach back like tentacles of some giant hydra.
By the time we reach Pilgrim MØ has jumped down into the pit, and during Waste Of Time she is actually in the audience and in the centre of a mosh-pit of her own creation. On stage she spins like a whirling dervish during up-tempo dance numbers, limbs moving as if controlled by some invisible puppeteer in the gantry, and all the time jumping and pumping the air. She applauds the audience for the huge amount of energy in the room, though much of it stems from her own seemingly endless reserves. The audience reciprocates with both exuberance and appreciation.
She finishes with a version of the Major Lazer collaboration Lean On, before returning for a wonderfully pertinent encore of Don't Leave and Final Song. You couldn't write a better set-list ending if you tried. This has been 75 minutes of gutsy electro-pop delivered with total aplomb. MØ was, without doubt, ready for us tonight.
