by Mark Sutherland, London |
June 09, 2009 8:53 EDT
Mika
U.K. pop artist Mika unveiled new material at an intimate, acoustic gig at London's Sadler's Wells theater last night (June 8).
The singer, whose "Life in Cartoon Motion" (Island) debut album is BPI-certified quadruple platinum (1.2 million shipments) in the United Kingdom, performed two tracks from his forthcoming sophomore album, due in September, alongside more familiar material.
"Good Gone Girl" and "Blame It on the Girls," were both upbeat, flamboyant pop anthems in a similar vein to previous hits like "Grace Kelly" and "Love Today." He also aired all four songs from his current "Songs for Sorrow" EP -- "Toy Boy," "Lonely Alcoholic," "Blue Eyes" and "Lady Jane" -- which show a more soulful side to the singer.
Despite being billed as a "stripped down" acoustic show, the gig still featured plenty of Mika's trademark showmanship. As well as a silvery stage set and a full string section, at one point there was a simulated thunderstorm, complete with glitter "rain," while during set-closer "Lollipop" giant inflatable balls were hurled into the audience.
The set ended with his U.K. hit "Relax (Take It Easy)," which prompted a stage invasion by dozens of fans.
The gig follows similar shows in Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels and Milan. Mika plays two sold out shows at Paris Cirque D'Hiver June 11-12 and a U.S. show at New York Poisson Rouge June 23.
The singer, whose "Life in Cartoon Motion" (Island) debut album is BPI-certified quadruple platinum (1.2 million shipments) in the United Kingdom, performed two tracks from his forthcoming sophomore album, due in September, alongside more familiar material.
"Good Gone Girl" and "Blame It on the Girls," were both upbeat, flamboyant pop anthems in a similar vein to previous hits like "Grace Kelly" and "Love Today." He also aired all four songs from his current "Songs for Sorrow" EP -- "Toy Boy," "Lonely Alcoholic," "Blue Eyes" and "Lady Jane" -- which show a more soulful side to the singer.
Despite being billed as a "stripped down" acoustic show, the gig still featured plenty of Mika's trademark showmanship. As well as a silvery stage set and a full string section, at one point there was a simulated thunderstorm, complete with glitter "rain," while during set-closer "Lollipop" giant inflatable balls were hurled into the audience.
The set ended with his U.K. hit "Relax (Take It Easy)," which prompted a stage invasion by dozens of fans.
The gig follows similar shows in Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels and Milan. Mika plays two sold out shows at Paris Cirque D'Hiver June 11-12 and a U.S. show at New York Poisson Rouge June 23.
Comments