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An Pierlé: Natural Born Performer

Two strong albums in the pocket, a steady band to back her up, and a much talked-about performance; An is ready for take-off.
11 mei 2002, Ekko, Utrecht (NL)

Tekst: Sven Schlijper

Publicatiedatum: 11 juni 2002

Ekko in Utrecht is the smaller of the music venues in this city. Because of its size and the program policy (always looking for new and exciting music), it is an ideal spot for new talent to showcase its potential to prying music lovers. Once every now and then the Ekko manages to attract some acts that have already emerged from the real underground. This month a couple of Belgian acts will definitely be amongst the highlights: Zornik, Flip Kowlier, and An Pierlé play the Ekko.

Ladies first, as An Pierlé played her headline show on a Saturday night. Thursday I had seen TOOL play in Groningen and Friday, After Forever in Utrecht’s Tivoli, so I was in for some soothing music and an entertaining show yet again. I just knew An Pierlé would be perfect in these circumstances, especially because of the intimate atmosphere a small venue adds to a performance.

On her first album, An toured quite a bit, played the summer festivals, and opened for Zita Swoon. Those (debut album) Mud Stories-era shows clearly put her act on the musical map, so to speak. Seated on an ergonomic inflated ball, An proved to be an astonishingly entertaining performer. Not just because of the beautiful songs, but also because of the funny remarks and little jokes she threw in. Another outstanding feature was the inevitable cover of the moment’s top pop hit song. Back then it was Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time.

Now An is playing a handful of shows as a warm up for the big summer festivals and touring ahead. With a remarkable new album out called Helium Sunset, her new sound moves further away from the often-heard comparison to Tori Amos. Playing with a full band now (one of the members is her lover Koen), the concert included material off both studio efforts. Songs featuring An at the piano and keyboard solo or with scarce accompaniment were alternated with rather powerful rock songs, seeing her play the guitar or accordion.

When An took the stage, she brought along a thermos of tea. It was quite obvious the mood would be pleasant, relaxed and homey. Some technical difficulties didn’t seem to put her off. She made the best out of every situation by cleverly chatting away, entertaining the audience with tasteful anecdotes. This again was a classic An Pierlé show including all the by-sides, a lot of warm and cozy feelings, and a good laugh. Special highlight was a piano suite of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Fur Elise, Mondschein Sonate, and Marca a la Turca leading into a quite familiar drone and melody. With two band members sharing one mic on vocal duties, it was clear tonight’s cover song was none other than Kylie’s Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.

The show was sold out in advance, the eager crowd responded with cheers of appraisal, and the sound mix was very quiet and crisp; it all added up to be a very good concert. An Pierlé deserves better than to be seen only as the Belgian Tori Amos. Sure, some songs do reference Tori’s style of music, but An’s work is definitely different and has a certain class of its own.

Two strong albums in the pocket, a steady band to back her up, and a much talked-about performance; An is ready for take-off. Flying through summer festivals soon, grab your chance to check her out. And bring your recording gear, as An literally asked the audience for a copy of a bootleg recording should anyone have made one. Atypical for a rock act? Maybe. But that might be just the typical An Pierlé!

http://www.kindamuzik.net/live/an-pierle/an-pierl-natural-born-performer/1621/
Meer An Pierle op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/an-pierle