Tickets: £8
Venue: Borderline
Other dates: Various around the country see the Facebook page for details (but many dates sold out)
This is one of those rare occasions a reviewer gets to report on an artist they are genuinely a fan of. I haven't been this enthusiastic about discovering a new artist since - well a good while, let's say - and it's only the beginning.The Borderline is one of those exciting legendary venues where many successful artists play early on in their careers as they are on the rise. I hope this is no exception.
It was clear on entry that Spraggan has a hardcore dedicated fanbase, generally young-ish, mostly lesbian. Constant yells of "We love Lucy" rang out whilst we waited patiently for her to come on stage. When she did come on stage, it became something reminiscent of a 1D or Wanted concert with the young girls shouting at Spraggan to get her kit off and other such love calls... it's great that young lesbians have an artist they can follow, look up to and support rather than feel excluded and invisible like we did in the good old days. They have someone who can sing love songs to them, at last. They have someone who can offer a whole lot more than manufactured platitudes as well.
Spraggan's presence on stage is authoritative but down to earth. Her lack of ego and unassuming confidence shines through as she sings, talks and interacts with the audience.
As well as offering what are now Spraggan classics (the whole audience could sing along to the entirity of Beer Fear) about love, heartbreak and drinking, we were treated to some newer numbers that reflect the growth and maturity of someone ready to become established on the British and likely international music scene.
Lucy takes us from real tears (both on stage and with the fans) at Tea and Toast, full of vulnerability, to bopping and rapping along to Gold Digger. Following a gritty, raw acoustic slot, we move on to the newer tracks including the beautiful "Butterflies", the inspirational "Mountains" and first single "Lighthouse" that present an evolution of the incredible, unique Acoustic-Folk-Hip Hop artist. And then back to the honest story telling humour of the Jeremy Kyle song.
I'm honoured to be a fan of this talented, funny, real singer songwriter.
Pheasant endings...
You may recall a while ago we talked about our missed opportunity to see Spraggan on stage at G.A.Y due to an incident with a pheasant. Lucky for us, she was well worth the wait. And we got to take home a Plectrum that was the cherry on top of an amazing night.
More short clips from the gig here: http://www.youtube.com/planetlondonmedia
By Katie
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