The last time Imogen Heap played live to a substantial audience she was ambitiously curating – as well as performing at – London’s hi-tech mini-festival Reverb at the Roundhouse.
Whilst being heavily pregnant at the time, Imogen put on a show that, sadly, was riddled with problems. Despite it being a concert that showcased her ever-present sense of humour, it also highlighted technology she is famous for using crashing around her at an alarming frequency. It was heartbreaking and uncomfortable to watch, but it demonstrated a unique artist possessing not only a healthy passion for her art, but a dogged determination to introduce new methods of performance.
But it’s also an anniversary party of her own. Speak For Yourself, Imogen’s second solo album was originally released ten years ago. Tonight is a chance for Imogen to revisit that collection of largely electronic songs by remoulding them to fit with the feel of tonight’s event. As soon as she joins the orchestra for ‘Can’t Take It In’ (her Chronicles Of Narnia soundtrack cut), you know that the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster is the perfect station for her comeback. The song tonight plays faithful to the original, but with her musical colleagues around her to add dramatic depth, and a healthy gust of dry ice from the wings, Imogen makes it sound even more dynamic.
It’s a fleeting moment, but after a short interval, Imogen returns with a downsized orchestral accompaniment including a string quartet and her musical ‘Creatures’ – a computer-controlled ‘band’ made up of instruments donated by fans, friends and family. It is clearly evident by now that this is not merely going to be a special appearance, but an actual Imogen Heap gig – her only UK show this year (a tour of last album, Sparks was scrapped due to the arrival of baby Scout).
To celebrate Speak For Yourself turning 10, Imogen begins the show proper with ‘The Moment I Said It’ – a song that is not only the final album track, but a traditional show closer. It’s 6 minutes spent holding breath. Much like Gaga and her non-conventional stage costumes, Sandie Shaw and her bare feet, and Boy George with his top hat, Imogen Heap has her distinguishable characteristics. The Mi.Mu gloves didn’t quite work to plan at the Reverb festival but tonight, by and large, they behave themselves. It’s a relief because during ‘The Moment I Said It’, they work like a dream, helping Imogen shape the intricate melodrama of the song.
Fan favourite, ‘Speeding Cars’ sounds positively radiant tonight, as does single ‘Goodnight and Go’. But the real surprises this evening are the album tracks that have been re-shaped, modernised and developed. ‘The Walk’ is now more of a moodscape fantasy, and ‘Clear The Area’ is the sound of Imogen Heap’s own musical which, to be frank, I am surprised hasn’t happened yet.
After the clever acapella stylings of ‘Just For Now’ (which Imogen explains is all about a disastrous Christmas party where family members kick each other under the table and argue about burnt turkey and ill-fitting music being played), we are treated to a new song, ‘Tiny Human’, which was composed specifically for Sennheiser. Fundamentally it’s a song about Imogen’s experience giving birth to her daughter, but she humorously explains that you could also connect it to the German audio company introducing high fidelity products as their own babies. “I’m sticking with that excuse,” she says.
As an encore, we are served ‘Hide and Seek’ – the closer from The O.C., which was later sampled by Jason Derulo on his ‘Whatcha Say’ hit. As the song reaches its climax, the Mi.Mu gloves malfunction. “I’ve worked out why this has happened,” affirms Imogen. “I think it’s because I’ve got sweaty palms”.
Reshaping Excellence is a fitting title for tonight’s show. As an artist, Imogen Heap continues to intelligently dissect, sculpt and adapt her work in an ongoing quest to maintain an exciting art form. Her bravery in her confidence to make new technology work as a live performance should be applauded, even when computers are not on her side. A magical triumph.
