Ren Harvieu – Live At The Lexington, London

A moving performance

Tipped by many as an artist to make an impact in 2012, Ren Harvieu looks slightly timid as she stands in the shadows waiting to take to the spotlight. However, when her band begins to play and it’s time to work Ren becomes a different creature. Gone is the nervousness and enters an assured, radiant and sexy siren, with a voice that takes you on a journey full of emotion.

A lot has happened to Ren in her burgeoning career. She was spotted on Myspace by her now manager Paul Harrison, toured with Glasvegas, was scheduled to work with hip-hop star Nas and set to perform at Glastonbury, until an unfortunate accident ended with her broken back.

Fortunately she seems to be on the road to a full recovery, she’s got a debut album on the way this April and her own headline tour to follow a support slot with singer-songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich.

Ren’s set and sound is pretty impressive, and hard to sum up due to the many muses she pulls from. The haunting sound produced by the likes of Phil Spector and Scott Walker is apparent, Ren’s band even donning ‘60s-esque turtle necks and suit jackets reminiscent of that period, and no song reflects this more than ‘Walking In The Rain’.

To give further clues as to where inspiration is pulled, a couple of cover versions are dropped into the set. Chris Isaak’s hit ‘Wicked Game’ and Roy Orbison’s classic tear jerker ‘Crying’, which Ren professes is her favourite song. This was more than apparent in its delivery which was sung with such conviction and belief that it was moving to watch. There is also time for Ed Harcourt to make an appearance on keys for Ren’s single ‘Through The Night’, which he produced.

There is something exciting about watching Ren, her presence, great songs and catchy hooks, and most importantly her pitch-perfect voice.

It’s worth keeping an eye out for this one.

Photo by Sherrill Smith

Click here for a photo gallery of the gig.

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