iamamiwhoami – Queen Elizabeth Hall, London 10/10/12

Though many attempt this aloof introduction to the world, none have executed it in quite the same stunning manner as iamamiwhoami.

Appearing to the world in cryptic and confusing videos, their teaser campaign ran for months before the mysterious blonde’s identity was revealed as that of Swedish singer/songwriter Jonna Lee. Tonight is her first show in London, following a handful of dates in her home country and, even though her identity is now common knowledge, it’s still hard to know quite what to expect.

Joined by a backing band dressed all in white and seemingly ready for a game of tennis, Lee floats slowly and serenely onto the stage and begins to elegantly and exquisitely recreate debut album kin for those seated in front of her. Otherworldly and ethereal, it’s a captivating, theatrical show that feels more like a piece of performance art than a regular gig.

Performing in front of a giant cube, Lee gracefully travels the breadth of the stage, swirling to the delicate melodies of ‘Idle Talk’ : Lunging and lurching along to the darker, tauter ‘Drops’. Halfway through, the black curtain covering the cube falls to fill the stage with bright, pulsating light as Lee clambers onto the ledge around it. On occasion, she leaves the stage to dance up the aisles between our seats, fans stretching out to touch her hands as she goes, creating a wave of excitement that’s hard to resist.

Whilst tonight Lee’s performance is flawless, the most astonishing thing about the event is the level of adoration and hysteria that is directed her way. For someone so enigmatic, it’s impressive just how strongly people have connected with her and, as she takes one final bow, it feels like that bond will only become stronger and stronger.