Live Review: Ali Barter

Ali Barter breezes onto the Boney stage for the first show of her October residency. Backed by bass, drums and guitar, Barter arms herself with a Prophet 08 synthesiser. Fire At Night opens the set and sounds tight and direct with its smooth, rock groove and pinches of alluring, ethereal lead guitar. “These are a bunch of songs,” Barter remarks.

Barter announces her next song is a “super-new, never played before” track. The breathy, Lana Del Ray-like vocal floats daintily over punchy, motoric drums. Then Barter slings on a shiny, orange guitar and begins to sing casually while rolling up her sleeves. Barter’s clipped-lip lyrics could probably be less predictable, but her fiery conviction carries the song, which features an explosive chorus that would make both The Killers and Interpol proud.

Slipping into a slick backbeat a rockin’ rhythm guitar tone, Community has real swagger. Its Nashville riffing, thunderous slide solo and classy casual vocals would give PJ Harvey a run for her money. Barter candidly remarks, “It’s just me now,” before ripping into a cover of Foo Fighters’ Tired Of You. The way she delivers it so sparingly strengthens the rendition. Inviting her bassist back to the stage, Barter commences a song she tells us is “about the stuff in you’re head”. She also confesses, “I’m a bit nervous”. The simple, airy song progresses and she triumphs, conquering her nerves. As the rest of the band resume their positions, Barter says, “I just remembered I dropped this pick on the floor in the toilets. It’s been in my mouth!” There’s a hearty chuckle from the crowd.

The catchy Run You Down is more restrained, because the band isn’t totally together. Barter still nervously changes chords, but no one seems to mind. The song gets to the breakdown, serving up the goods. Barter’s voice is tough, but with the right amount of sweetness. Back to their initial form the band close with a tune that features the lyrics, “It’s a mystery what you’ve done to me/I could really use your faith tonight” – a real stunner.