It’s not often that I’ll willingly go outside on a freezing Monday evening, but this is with good cause. Brooklyn duo High Places are highly recommended, with their atmospheric electronica gaining them a cult-like following, and Anneka is probably my favourite Brighton artist I’m yet to see live.
First on stage is Anneka, a vocalist whose tender tones you might recognise from collaborations with numerous dubstep producers over the past few years, including Starkey, Ital Tek and Phaeleh. Her performance tonight is captivating and more than just vocals, as she samples drum-pad, tambourine and egg shaker sounds as well as her own voice, layering chunky beats with perfectly superimposed harmonies. Taking the mic and launching straight into her first song without so much as an introduction, Anneka’s stage presence is a image of elfin sobriety; flitting between hip-tapping folk, soulful yearning and clear absorption in the craft. Her vocals are all the more powerful when they’re allowed to stand alone, but the beats that underlie them are interesting and confident.
Her set consists of mostly original songs, with the obvious comparison being to Imogen Heap, but with an honest rawness and less pop sensibilities. A re-work of PJ Harvey’s ‘Electric Light’ is a highlight, allowing the strength of her voice to show, and re-imagining the original into something more tribal and rounded.
Consisting of multi-instrumentalists Mary Pearson and Rob Barber, High Places have been going for the past six years as a collaborative soundboard as much as a band, with both members starting out as solo artists. Lit by a whirling glitter-ball and little else, their set is eerie and gives a sense of tense foreboding, aided by the dark themes in their songs. Although they complement each other, there’s a sense of separation and multiple themes throughout their set, as though they come together by jamming and finding what works rather than planning.
With Pearson’s two-piece snakeskin suit and Berlin haircut they look more Continental than American, and this influence is reflected in the music and the often incomprehensible soothing vocals. The dark reminiscence of 90s trance, progressive synths and house clicks put the twosome on the fringes of witch house, disco and drum’n’synth, melding strong basslines and beats with heavy reverb. ‘Altos Lugares’ is the standout song of the set, with high, innocent vocals and a calming, rhythmic bass. A new song features steel drums and a hypnotic, almost carnival-esque feel, suggestive of new and more vibrant directions for the band. The projections behind them are of muted colourscapes and nature shapes, creating a heavy atmosphere.
The promoters Be Nothing are putting on increasingly innovative and inspiring gigs, and this balance of local and legend is a winning one. Although High Places put on a good show, for me, Rob Barber sums up the evening when he pauses between songs to announce ‘Anneka’s set was really great. You’re lucky to have her.’ More like this, please.
Green Door Store Monday 13th February 2012
Words and Photos by Jessica Marshall McHattie
