Ave (Ida) Maria

I went to see a gig last night, The Good Shoes. They were alright - loud, fast, lively... always a good combination. There were two support acts on: The Mules, who I'm sad to say left me cold, and Ida Maria... who completely staggered me! Ida is Norwegian, and has a voice that reminds me of early (Sugarcubes-era) Björk or Bellatrix. And she really gives it some on stage! In addition to the amazing singing, she plays guitar (though lead duties are left to the equally hard-rocking Gustav) and, thankfully in a time of so much bland music, she has genuine stage presence. Or maybe I am just easily impressed... but at the end of one song, as she up-ended a litre bottle of water over her own head and tossed her hair about, sending droplets of water flying everywhere and make-up running down from her heavily köhled eyes, well, it was quite a sight. The intensity of another song was such that she threw herself to the ground afterwards, finishing the number flat on her back with her legs in the air. I think it's safe to say she was feeling the music.... Oh, and the drummer (Ulle?) can really play too.

So, Ida Maria... my favourite new band, and an unreserved recommendation. Their debut single "Oh My God" was out last month, and their next release is in December. Search Amazon for these releases, or check out Ida's MySpace.

Home is where the heart is

I moved house over the weekend. Well, 'house' is a bit strong. I moved from the flat I've shared for most of the last six months into a rented mid-terrace box. My new place is the sort of typical new house where space is at a premium, the walls are thin and from my bedroom window I can see dozens of identical houses...

But it's not the architectural blandness of my new dwelling that drags me down. And it's not living alone, rattling around like a pea in a drum, as I quite like my own company and can always find lots to do. No, what has made this move feel sour is that it means I've left the person I'd previously been sharing a flat with, and I miss her terribly. Home is where the heart is, so the old saying goes... in which case, this new house will never be my home, for my heart is with her.