MUSIC

Trinity Centre, Bristol (Mon 31 Oct)

Anna Calvi released her self-titled debut album at the beginning of the year, but despite notable critical success (including nominations for the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll and the Mercury Music Prize), in the months since she’s failed to make the remarkable impression on the public initial forecasts predicted.

Tonight is no reflection of her failure. Trinity is surprisingly over capacity, full of a strange sort of crowd, half of whom have no idea who Calvi is. The consequent uneasy atmosphere reflects the night's traditional meaning, though any mention of Halloween is neglected by both staff and band. Despite the usually dynamic songs, the crowd remain silently engrossed during Anna's performance. It's only when she pauses for breath that their reaction becomes clear and a vigorous applause threatens to deafen eardrums.

The first half of her set comprises tracks from the aforementioned release. Despite performing perhaps tired material – Anna has a touring legacy that dates back to 2006 – 'First We Kiss' and 'Blackout' captivate the willingly bewitched crowd. A cover of an Elvis song breaks the self-imposed pattern, and Calvi finally cracks out single 'Desire' in the wailing humdrum that entails. Unfortunately this also seems to break Trinity's concentration, as the faces that were previously locked on the stage begin to wander over their neighbours’ and the bar.

Thereafter some new material seeps into the set list. It reflects Calvi’s established sound but – and perhaps this is because of a lack of familiarity rather than inventiveness – the lyrics seem nonsensical and repetitive. The most memorable moments are those that rely on epic instrumentation and the roll of Mally Harpaz's tom drum. Likewise the overall quality of the gig is propelled by the composition of the songs and not by Anna's presence itself.

Despite momentary lapses in attention, Anna and her band fill the hall with a suitably haunting authority. Come the close of her gig, Anna has unleashed the virtuoso goddess that originally provoked calls of greatness. It only then becomes obvious that she was holding back to begin with – perhaps a reflection of her career as a whole. (Tiffany Daniels)

Copyright Tiffany Daniels 2011