Kathryn Joseph, Union Chapel, 19.02.2019

A dark triumph in an apt setting

5/5

Brooding. Intense. Emotionally charged. There are many ways of describing Kathryn Joseph’s music, absolutely none of which would be near the lighter end of the spectrum. 

With two albums under her belt – 2015’s award winning ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ and 2018’s ‘From When I Wake The Want Is’ – Joseph (not her real surname – you can google why) brought her songs about heartbreak, loss and death to the Union Chapel.  Anyone hoping they would be enhanced in a church setting was not disappointed – this was a fantastic performance from the off.

Dressed in white and sat side on to the audience with only herself, her piano and a wine stand on stage, Joseph stared down the audience almost menacingly while playing. Excellent lighting heightened the effect, with Joseph bathed in colours or cast in shadow, before breaking into a smile as she finished each piece.

Between songs the audience were treated to insights into some stories behind the songs and the occasional burst of humour.  ‘This was song to get my ex back.  And it worked.  Well, he’s a good f*ck.  Not like the previous c*nt’ followed by apologies for swearing in church. Joseph’s between-song demeanour and chat worked as an excellent counterpoint to songs which ratcheted the intensity back up. 

Highlights were frankly, difficult to pick. ‘From When I Wake The Want Is’,’ We Have Been Loved’,’ The Bird’, a version of ‘Mountain’ that you just didn’t want to end were outstanding, and  a brilliantly judged cover of A Mote of Dust song ‘Cracks in the Mirror’ gave this gig goer a tip to check out.

The only shame was there wasn’t enough time for more songs.  A great night of great music.