ALICE MERTON W
e’ve got to be honest on this one... That night, in Paris, we really went to Alice Merton’s show with no specific expectations. We just made our way to the Cigale venue with the thought that the «No Roots» performer must have had some other bangers on her setlist that were worth hearing live. And well, the show was actually much more than that! The singer and songwriter hits the stage with a striking energy, rocking a cap the color of her «Mint» debut album that was released early this year. She opens the set - like her record - with the cheerful «Learn To Live». Its positive motto just sets the mood for the night: «I wanna learn how to live without the consequences». A bit darker, the following «Speak Your Mind» diffuses a sultry atmosphere in the room, before Alice Merton introduces her whole band to an already charmed audience. The very recognizable first notes of «Trouble in Paradise» fill the room and bodies are already adjusting to the rhythm. What is so enjoyable with Alice Merton’s music is that, even when you don’t know her tracks that well, all you need is a few seconds to get caught in their energy and to even remember some crucial lines. «Paris, we’re having a wonderful time, you’re as cool as you were last time»: we’re not even half way there and the artist seems to truly enjoy her time with the French public. After the groovy «Keeps Me Awake», she even invites the crowd to join her on a jumping trip. With its electric chords, «Make You Mine» is the perfect occasion to lose yourself to the music and to test the resistance of the floor under your feet. And Paris really did shake up that room!
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY CORALINE BLAISE
Live from Paris, France Taken from her 2017 «No Roots» EP, «Jealousy» (almost) brings a time of rest during that storm. The unstoppable performer then introduces the bittersweet «Honeymoon Heartbreak» saying «I’ve been through so much for the past 3 years, and over love, I chose my career» causing some cheerful responses from the crowd. Still going down that personal path, she carries on with «2 Kids» : the touching story of how she met her best friend and manager, and how they support each other unconditionally ever since. After this sweet and vulnerable moment, «Hit The Ground Running» goes back to an empowering message and melody. With its distorted voice, «Funny Business» is then surrounded by a playful spirit. «It makes me happy to see you dancing» states Alice Merton at the end of the heady track. «Homesick» is another take on a theme that is also central in her hit-single «No Roots»: her ever-travelling life. After the powerful «Lash Out» - channelling a feeling of revolution -, it’s time for people to gather their skills and sing their hearts out on «No Roots». The multigenerational audience there seems to have a deep affection for the track and its author - which isn’t afraid to eventually show how grateful she is for it all: «You guys are amazing, we’ve got to come more often. It means the world to us!» To finish on a carefree note, Alice Merton ends the night with «I Don’t Hold a Grudge» and the lighthearted «Why So Serious». «My home is not in one place but it’s with people.» Well, for an hour or so, Alice Merton’s brilliant personality and undeniable talent really did radiate a sense of home between these walls. Be sure you’ll always feel welcomed to one of her shows... as long as you dance to it!
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