It was only a couple of months, back in September, that British singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya played a captivating stripped-back set at Rough Trade to launch her much-acclaimed third studio album, My Method Actor. Now back in Nottingham but this time with a full band, we went along to hear one of the year’s best albums performed live once again…
We arrive at Rescue Rooms tonight, just as support act Eli Smart is rounding up his short set. We manage to catch the last couple of songs, with the singer-songwriter utilising some loop pedals for a one-man-band approach. At one point he’s sat down with his guitar horizontal on his lap, sliding his fingers up and down the fretboard blues style – the next, he’s stood up and showing off his rock riffs.
He’s a talented guitarist and has an interesting tone to his voice, but the music just doesn’t seem to quite connect with the audience, with a lot of distracted chatter around us during these last few songs. One I would be keen to see again with a full band backing him up.
During the 30-minute break, we learn of the impressive dedication some fans have shown to make it to this show tonight. One solo gig-goer we speak to is originally from Norway but has travelled from Africa to the UK, then from Great Yarmouth to Nottingham, just to see Nilüfer Yanya tonight. Another person that our LeftLion photographer speaks to is also catching her perform live for their 45th time. That’s some commitment!
However, as soon as Nilüfer and her band begin to play, the lengths people will go to just to watch her perform is quickly understandable. She opens on Method Actor, the title track to her most recent opus, which features some heavy distortion and flourishes of saxophone. The sax playing was one of the highlights of her Rough Trade show and its no different tonight, but also the additional guitars and drums that were missing from that September make all the difference. It’s notable on an electric performance of L/R from her second album PAINLESS, the crowd immediately energised by the song’s lush instrumentation.
“Welcome to my show, how we all doing?” says Nilüfer at the song’s climax, greeting the audience for what will be one of the few times tonight. “I’m going to play the new album and some old stuff, too.”
She stays true to her word, jumping into the jittering chords of chase me before following it up with brilliant recent single, Like I Say (Runaway). After the chill guitars and scintillating saxophone of Wingspan, there’s a cool switch into the pounding drums and sharp riffs of My Method Actor highlight, Mutations. We then get a short instrumental interlude, that leads into the gorgeous acoustic plucking of Ready for Sun (touch).
“This is where I have to play one by myself,” announces Nilüfer, her bandmates sitting down around her on the stage as if gathering around a campfire. It’s a throwback to Heavyweight Champion of the Year from her debut album, her voice and guitar creating a goosebump-inducing moment. As the band stand back up and pick up their instruments once again, the stage lights begin to quickly flicker and there’s a roar of instruments for Call It Love, the guitarist nearest us using an interesting device to create the song’s distinctive screech of guitars. The whirring sounds of the instruments then make for a seamless transition, guiding us into the softer duo of Binding and trouble.
After the stomping drums of the dealer, Nilüfer then takes a moment with the crowd once again. “Did you guys catch Eli? He’s my boyfriend – it’s been really nice touring together” she says, giving the audience a surprise revelation relating to her opening act tonight. She then takes a moment to introduce her amazing band, which includes her producer Wilma Archer who has been killing it on guitar duties all night. “We’re going to play one more song” she says, before the band launch into the seismic rock riffs of stabilise, which gives us our first couple of moshers of the night.
The band basically do a U-turn at the side of stage, leaving for barely a moment before the loud applause brings them back out for the encore. Nilüfer begins it by revisiting the incredible PJ Harvey cover of Rid of Me she played at Rough Trade back in September, which was sensational then but even more ferocious tonight with the backing of a full band.
“Shall we play one more?” she asks rhetorically, but it doesn’t stop some in the audience calling for at least two more songs. Nilüfer insists on just one however, closing the evening in majestic fashion with the wonderful midnight sun.
Nilüfer continues to solidify her position as a special artist and live performer, with those who had made the effort to see her tonight no doubt leaving fully satisfied after that incredible performance. While this was probably her last appearance in Nottingham for some time now, we already can’t wait to see her back here again in the future.
Nilüfer Yanya performed at Rescue Rooms on 4th December 2024.
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