Bronagh Gallagher at the Lexington

Gallagher’s third album Gather Your Greatness, performed by herself and her spectacular band, was an absolute revelation at the Lexington in London this week. Although the singer is far much more than her part in cult classic film Pulp Fiction, one can’t help drawing comparisons between her painfully cool stage presence and Thurman’s dance competition moves. Except, Gallagher is a better version, beyond the scope of imagination of any director.

Raspy, deep, passionate, playful: her music is all of these, bringing rock country out to a new generation whilst keeping all of its appeal to those who grew up with it. The theme of self love and unapologetic and defiant empowerment runs through the entire set, reminiscent of a country Stevie Nicks-cum-Jeff Buckley. Starting with Can You Hear Me and Everyplace, the slow and steady country guitar lulls the audience into falsely expecting a concert that won’t turn into the energetic soulful magic brought by Gallagher and the mesmerising musicians playing with her.

Lonely Girls and Radio succeed in moving the shy crowd, making even the most dance-averse in the audience tap their feet. Dedicated to Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and excellent music in general, Radio sets Gallagher up as one of the few artists out there using the building blocks of rock and disco to create something original. Nostalgic love song lyrics add a tragic quality to the singer’s music but tracks like Make a Move from her eponymously named 2012 record bring back the fun espoused by the artist through her every move on stage. Ending with Fool from the same album, the performer effortlessly brings it back to Starsky and Hutch-style disco with a country twinge – an evident crowd-pleaser.

From invoking desperation to soaring hope with a “that’s how it is, honey” attitude, Gallagher’s style is uniquely hers just as her dancing, her clothes, her humour are. Whether a fan of her specific music genre or not, the sheer emotional strength in her voice and performance make her an inspiring pleasure to watch.

Miriam Karmali
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information about Bronagh Gallagher and future events visit here.

­Watch the video for Crimes here: