16 May 2008 (gig)
21 May 2008
With all the talk surrounding new indie power popstress Ida Maria there was a full house at the 'Levi’s Ones To Watch’ venue Audio on Brighton’s sea front.
The 23 year-old Norwiegan frontwoman took to the stage on day one of the Great Escape in a pink dress and black leather jacket ready to impart her own brand of indie rebel rousing sounds. Having made headlines with previous chaotic performances resulting in an impressive array of injuries including bruised ribs and cuts we looked on with interest to see what entertainment the night would bring. With her fragile and slightly gravelly voice she wasted no time in getting into her unique Norweigian groove. What strikes you about Ida is that she has that slightly unhinged quality which sets her apart from most other performers. I get the impression she is not quite sure herself which direction the gig will take and this element of uncertainty adds a welcome sense of anticipation to the proceedings.
New single 'Queen of the World’ was sung with passionate abandon with all band members playing their part with tight well written riffs colliding with Ida’s undeniable charm. This homemade garage rock sound, reminiscent of early Lemonheads demo’s, continues with the cheekily titled 'I like you so much better when you're naked' and see’s Ida connect with the audience in her own inimitable style while swigging from a can of Red Stripe. 'Keep You Warm’ and the cacophonous debut single 'Oh My God’ round of a short but perfectly formed set in jubilant mood.
With her Sony BMG debut album set for an August release expect to hear much more from this talent.
