The stage of the Leith Theatre seems the perfect setting for Neneh Cherry’s performance as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, her set featuring four large screens like the wings of a stage, decorated with bold, almost classical-style sketches of women. Along with the deep red and orange tones from the lighting, a warmth and sense of intimacy is created that will last throughout the performance.

An atmospheric start with songs like Kong and Woman slowly builds to an electric, impassioned energy, Cherry commanding the stage. Songs from 2018’s Broken Politics are woven between the likes of 7 Seconds and Manchild which have the whole audience singing along. Throughout, there is a vibrancy from Cherry, who appears lost in the music during the songs, yet is warm and chatty with the audience in-between,. Cherry’s band move expertly between instruments, the harp and vibraphone giving way to more percussive and electronic sounds as the performance progresses.

The lighting is expertly crafted to complement the performance, spotlights casting an ethereal beam on Cherry at times, giving way to white strobe lighting in the electronic breakdowns. Warm, rich tones accompany the music and give the performance intensity. When the lights come up on the audience in-between songs, everyone is smiling and enjoying the moment, barely a phone screen in sight.

While nostalgic moments from songs on Raw Like Sushi are instant crowd-pleasers, the audience also get lost in the newer songs, the electronic influence of Four Tet on the newer releases creating a mesmerising energy, the crowd swaying along. The triumphant encore has those in the gallery on their feet, ending with Buffalo Stance and earning Cherry and her band rapturous applause and cheers.

Cherry and her band own the stage and appear as happy to be there as the crowd. Her performance is joyous and exuberant, with a good helping of politics and impressive musicianship. A triumphant and joyous continuation of the EIF’s season at the Leith Theatre.

Libby Chalmers
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