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Words by Eamon Foley :: Images by Victor Felder
My Brightest Diamond
02.22.07 :: Fri-Son :: Fribourg, Switzerland
Shara Worden - My Brightest Diamond
02.22 | Switzerland |
In one of the songs from her new album, Freak Out, My Brightest Diamond's Shara Worden exhorts us to dance. This seems particularly relevant here in Switzerland as the reserved crowd could do with a bit of loosening up. Later in the same song when she sings "it's too late to save us now" it's hard not to think of the deteriorating state of the environment. It has been an unusually warm winter here, and ski resorts have been struggling with patchy snowfalls and fluctuating temperatures. Tonight, where normally everyone would be wrapped up tight against the cold, the only accompaniment to my jacket is a t-shirt.
It's also warm in the cramped confines of Fri-Son, but sadly the coziness does not extend to the reticent crowd, who maintain a good distance from the stage. Even when asked to come closer they reluctantly shuffle forward a couple of paces, and then when the band isn't looking slink backwards again.
There may be weather-related troubles in the Alps, but support band Ani and the Flowers conjure up stereotypical images of Switzerland's cow-filled rolling meadows. Even their blonde singer, Anja, looks like Heidi, that quintessential Swiss heroine. Being local, there were a smattering of fans in attendance who knew their jolly numbers. Their Counting Crows, Tori Amos-esque pop left the crowd in happy spirits, if relatively uninspired. It comes as no surprise that a land this civilized, orderly, and clean can produce a band so carefree and jaunty yet strangely staid.
Shara Worden - My Brightest Diamond
02.22 | Switzerland |
In contrast to the innocence of Ani - whose flower and candled-adorned set was somewhat ruined by the huge skull-shaped disco ball floating sinisterly overhead - My Brightest Diamond brought a darker, more atmospheric edge to Fribourg. Her lyrics often refer to bleak, difficult times, and there is a brooding element to her music, but her sound is actually far more complex than that - jazzy and spunky, classical and funky.
The dark aspect shines through in "Gone Away" but the energy of the live performance added an element not present when listening to the recording. Although she is talking about an absent friend, my mind was dragged back to worries of the environment - "For this is a ride going nowhere but somewhere that I despise."
Like Portishead, the string sections in her work add a layer of mystery. However, for this show they were a threesome and her sound missed the presence of the strings. A lonely laptop in the corner lacks the character and verve of actual band members. I would love to see MBD backed by an orchestra, her voice wrapped in layers of strings.
Shara Worden - My Brightest Diamond
02.22 | Switzerland |
Live the music lacked the album's depth even with Worden wielding her guitar, held high or cradled to her chest, with energy. This movement belied the oft-sedate, almost lullaby quality I had expected. Her readiness with a smile was endearing and suggestive of joy at performing. This simple happiness shone through strongly throughout the show, and was matched by a presence that oozed confidence. After time spent with Sufjan Stevens - both as a support act on tour and playing in his backing band - she is utterly comfortable in the spotlight, evident not just in her dancing but also in her interaction with the crowd, coming across as humorous and intelligent. And, her use of French was a treat in this part of Switzerland.
Throughout, my gaze was drawn to her, and not just because her shoes competed with the giant disco ball for the title of "Most Sparkly Accessory of the Night." She danced like she herself was watching a show, and her smile full of teeth was white like the snow Switzerland is craving. Her vocals, like her compositions, are versatile - sometimes haunting, always atmospheric, and at times spine tingling.
Every gig is different than the album, and each thing unique to itself. Right from the start, after an ultra-rapid equipment set-up (surprising even in a land where efficiency and timeliness are expected), she strolled out alone for a punchy, bluesy version of Muse's "Feeling Good," where her energy made up for any lack of polish. If it were a material her voice would be velvet - heavy yet soft and luxurious. By the time I left, I found myself happy to wrap myself in it, convinced everything is going to be alright.
JamBase | Europe
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