On this typically cold, rainy evening in the big city, a palpable sense of anticipation fills the air outside the venue. A line, stretching around the building, marks the arrival of Mothica’s first headlining show in this metropolis.
Artio’s enthusiastic crowd greeted them tonight, and they gave an energetic and bold performance. They didn’t need much encouragement, as the room seemed to already be on their side with energy and personality, both of which they have in abundance. Their alt-rock style is perfect to open the show tonight, and they have obviously been doing good things in the lead-up to tonight, as plenty of people are singing in unison and jumping at their command. They are a very exciting band and definitely worth watching out for!
Second to perform tonight are Starbenders, bringing their wonderful blend of Glam, punk metal magic and bewitching the entire room. As always, their chemistry is incredible to watch, and special mention goes to newly appointed drummer Qi Wei, who joined the band in February and is definitely a force to be reckoned with! Front witch Kimi Shelter has such a beguiling and mystical aura as she performs and interacts with her audience, and her voice is a wonderful mix of soft, raspy, and powerful. The set list packs a real punch, and we are treated to a brand-new track, ‘Tokyo’, which was released the day of the show! It’s a truly brilliant show from the Atlanta Four, and they left us all looking forward to our subsequent encounter with them.
Mothica takes to the stage in a flood of red, and the connection between her and her fans is immediately apparent. Her honesty and transparency have garnered her much respect and given people a place without judgement, and they feel heard and seen. Her lyrics are emotionally raw, and she delivers all of this with the power and confidence that comes from this bond, and it is beautiful to watch. During the set, she takes moments to express her gratitude and to talk about her experiences, most poignantly the story of her attempt to take her life aged just fifteen when, from the crowd, a voice shouts out “You saved my life, Mothica!” not once but twice, she shouts this, and it clearly has an impact.
Her music is catchy and fun despite the subject matter; honestly, that is cathartic. She powers through an impressive set with a couple of covers thrown in for good measure, a wonderfully executed rendition of Bring Me The Horizon’s ‘ Can You Feel My Heart’ and her finale, which leaves us all on a high – a cover of Smash Mouths ‘All Star’ because as she says there is one thing we all have in common – we have all seen the 2001 hit feature Shrek! A truly wonderful night and a well-deserved sold-out London headline slot!
Review & Photos By Rebecca Bush
https://www.instagram.com/beckybphoto/
Starbenders
Mothica
