MØ – Electrowerkz, London 28/02/13

It may sound like a broken record, but Scandinavian music is completely leading the way at the moment. There is a host of powerful female-lead electro-pop, in particular, setting the pace. The likes of FAYE, Kate Boy and Say Lou Lou are producing eye-catching work, utilising impressive vocal skills alongside slick production and killer choruses. Enter MØ.

Karen Marie Ørsted first appeared on our radar with the joyful trumpets and wonder chorus of ‘Pilgrim’ 6 months or so ago, and following last year’s acclaimed outing at JaJaJa, the Copenhagen-based singer brought her intuitive brand of scandi-pop to a sold out Electrowerkz last week.

Following an early live outing from Prince Innocence, she effortlessly commands the attention of the jostling room, her performance is completely natural, professional and expressive. Bounding around the small stage in a brilliantly baggy t-shirt, proudly brandishing the Chess Club Records crest, she is a bundle of frenetic energy, an energy which translates into the music she produces so succinctly. The opening to ‘Maiden’ blasts out early in the set; its crystal clear guitar riff, rumbling bass synth and manufactured drums are a potent song-writing weapon used to full effect.

With another twinkling opening hook that summons an almost Yuletide feeling, latest track ‘Glass’ comes flying out next and is a definite highlight. “What a pleasant sensation!” is belted out at the top-end of her powerful range, confirming how prolific a chorus-creator MØ is as. The aforementioned ‘Pilgrim’ and the closing ‘Crazy For You’ are equally impressive; the former making use of the fidgeting monochrome projection behind, showing playful, immaculately timed visuals of vintage horn sections and swing dancing.

Energetic, eye-catching and with an album-worth of gems, MØ is undoubtedly one of the front-runners in this ever-expanding genre of powerful electro-pop. A busy festival season lies ahead – we say you’d be wise not to miss her.

Set List
Fire Rides
Maiden
Glass
Dust Is Gone
Waste of Time
No Mythologies
Never Wanna Know
Hours of Fun
Pilgrim
Crazy For You