Robyn performs at Brixton Academy

It is never too late, they say. Probably better known for her famous catchy single Show Me Love, which dates back to 1997, when similar easy listening tunes were extremely trendy, Robyn is nonetheless not one of those innumerable pop sensations who only make a splash with meaningless and soon-to-be-forgotten songs. 

The sold-out gig on Thursday night at a packed Brixton Academy, which lasted an hour and a half and during which Robyn performed 17 songs, proves that this energetic, little woman has got a solid fanbase and that surely has got to mean something. The Swedish singer definitely deserves a chance to be paid further attention. 

After seeing her live, a couple of things become clear: if it can be said that Robyn’s music may still be considered silly by some, especially when it comes to lyrics, it is also true that those same near-to-nonsense songs are not so unimportant after all. Although the artist herself was surprised to see the whole crowd accompanying her through many sing-alongs, the success of her gig will in fact let her sleep peacefully. What matters for Robyn is that everybody attending her concert is having a good time and if she gets to entertain the audience, making them put aside for a while all their worries, then she has achieved her goal. A good one, it must be agreed. 

During the show, Robyn heartily sang some of her most popular hits and interpreted the slogan We Dance To The Beat to the letter, but not on her own: the crowd’s response was very enthusiastic indeed! Aside from a simple set, one thing was remarkable: all band members wore white lab coats with their names on the back. Perhaps Robyn was aiming at the perfect chemistry for her gig and, by looking at the people ecstatically acclaiming their idol, it is easy to say the O2 was several times on the verge of “exploding”.

A special mention also goes to Robyn’s ability to merge genres and reinvent her own music. The intro with a short cover of ABBA’s Dancing Queen gave the ending song Show Me Love a particular feel to it and amazed the public unanimously. 

Verdict: •••

Rita Vicinanza

Photos: Adam Imimolo

Watch the music video for Konichiwa Bitches here