This was going to be an interesting gig for this reviewer as normally gigs arranged by local promoter IMP are generally a bit too indie for my tastes though they have done a great job of bringing some impressive acts to Aberdeen over the years. Tonight was different though as I had been looking for an opportunity to see Scandinavian songstress Ida Maria live after hearing a demo a while back. 

However before that there was local vocalist Amy Sawers providing a solo set to open proceedings.Having heard a lot about her but this was the first time I had an opportunity to catch her live so my interest was piqued and it must be said that the information I had been given about Amy, even though complimentary, didn't do her justice at all as Miss Sawers gave a masterful performance of a confident, talented singer and guitarist. Great delivery with a good degree of tongue in cheek banter with the crowd added a cheekiness and likability that really should push this artist to serious heights if there was any fairness in the world.  However even though she gave an excellent performance there were hints during her set that left you wondering whether her current avenue and style suited her best as she would make an awesome metal band frontwoman. If you read this Amy, have a think on it. 

Next up were Glasgow lads The King Hats. As with Amy Sawer before them the crowd were very appreciative for this high energy indie rock act. Although musically not really my cup of tea their slight punk edge and boundless enthusiasm won me over to fair extent and there was a real bounce to their set and as the numbers rolled by the crowd were definitely increasingly enjoying the set. Will they go far, well it is a pretty crowded market in their adopted niche but strong live sets like this will do them no harm at all. 

Finally to the lady herself, Ida Maria, an interesting and charismatic front woman who has been compared to the likes of Chrissie Hynde, Bjork, Pink and Iggy Pop.  Bizarrely she is like an amalgamation of all of them live but with a degree of Juliette Lewis added in for luck. There is a degree  of pixie cute about Ida similar to Bjork but also a real rock chick look and feel that suits her harder edged sound compared to the Icelandic Elf Queen. Signing to a major and with tracks turning up on major TV shows has lifted her profile greatly these last few months and by the time her debut album is released later this summer Ida could become a very well known musician indeed.  

Onto the show and from the word go Ida worked the crowd like a seasoned pro but with a real quirky unpredictability and infectious humour. Starting with “Morninglight” and running through “Louie”, “Queen”, “Drive” and “Forgive Me” she had the crowd eating out of her hand. Strutting like a female Iggy Pop, Ida worked the small Tunnels stage with real class and one of her better known songs “Stella” produced much singing from the highly varied mix of people in the crowd before the short set ran through the final numbers “Keep Me Warm”, “Naked” and “Oh My God”. I really wasn't to sure how this evening was going to pan out but I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this varied display of musical talent on show. Looking at the cross section of fans on show at this pretty busy gig and judging the highly professional and quirky performance from Ida and her band I have no doubt that this is an act that will raise a few eyebrows and heart rates indeed!

Mike Clark