Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra at Roundhouse

In a rebuttal to the Daily Mail over an article that dramatises a wardrobe malfunction, alternative rock musician Amanda Palmer performs a titillating and courageous ballad naked as part of the encore at Roundhouse in Camden.

Dear Daily Mail has Palmer on stage alone, playing the keyboard in an upbeat fashion, initially wearing a Kimono.  Her racy lyrics humorously address the sexist biases the media adopt when reporting on female nudity, and has her asking “where are the newsworthy cocks?” after boldly undressing and singing the rest of the number exposed. But such is the theme of the show – honest and entertaining.  Alongside the Grand Theft Orchestra, they play an extremely dynamic set with so much entertainment value that it’s extraordinary to watch.

With a strong following, it only takes the first few notes of Missed Me on keys to get the audience riled up.  Her style unique, watching Palmer is like watching a story unfold.  There is so much emotion in her voice and even the pauses she takes while playing and singing are thoughtfully timed to make the crowd laugh but also hang on her every word.  Chad Raines is commanding on lead guitar, creating the most intense riffs that personify the rock genre and demand attention.

Given the liveliness and enthusiasm that Palmer and her band bring to the stage, it can be quite easy to overlook some of the sensitive subject matter she addresses in her songs.  The tone of the controversial track Oasis is fast-paced and bubbly but goes on to describe “when she got [her] abortion” after being drunk and raped at a party in a very casual, joyful manner.  Although the song is meant to be ironic, it’s somewhat chilling to hear fans exuberantly sing along.

Her in-your-face manner aside, Palmer demonstrates a more sensitive persona in Bottomfeeder as she expressively sings: “Why you gotta be like that, you’re never gonna bring him back”. In a cropped blazer with an enormous blue and green train, fans physically support Palmer before she falls forward into the crowd, surfing along with her costume trailing behind her in the most visually appealing and figurative fashion.

Featuring hits from the albums Who Killed Amanda Palmer and Theatre Is Evil, along with a guest appearance from Kate Miller-Heidke, and a sample of the circus-like antics from the cast of Limbo, you’re never disengaged.  The well-balanced set fuses an array of emotion, theatre and energy to create an unforgettable concert.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Natasha Fonseka
Photos: Allie Suwanrumpha

For further information about Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Oasis here: