It’s amazing that, for now, tickets to Regina Spektor are still available. Whilst her seventh studio album, “Remember Us To Life” (2016) did not receive the same critical applause as some of its predecessors, Spektor has a dedicated international fanbase, that hangs on her mercurial but captivating talent. In November, the singer who first emerged from obscurity through the New York anti-Folk Scene, sold out her UK tour in blistering speed.
Spektor was born in Moscow, but grew up in America, studying composition at Purchase College. Gigging regularly in New York, she quickly became a staple of the local up-and-coming circuit, leading to a support slot with The Strokes in their 2003 North American tour. From there, work with Kings of Leon and Keane followed, generating both the contacts and the hype necessary for her emergence. Her fourth album, “Begin to Hope” (2006), including the single “Fidelity,” provided the breakthrough, landing at number 70 on the Billboard 200. Since then, Spector has gone from strength to strength, with a Grammy nomination and a performance to President Barack Obama comprising some of her most notable accolades.
Spektor’s seventh album, “Remember Us To Life” finally dropped four years after her acclaimed 2012 effort “What We Saw From The Cheap Seats,” which peaked at three on the Billboard 200. Less poppy than some of her previous writing, “Remember Us To Life” still displays Spektor’s trademark idiosyncrasies, as her tracks meander between diverse emotions and tones without friction. Whilst musically capricious, the storytelling on the album is striking and memorable, making for an immersive listen. This engaging and sometimes stripped-back form is potentially one of the reasons why her most recent tour was so popular, and fans will get a second opportunity to see her perform when she comes to the Eventim Apollo in August. Expect an intimate and magical show.
Tickets start from £45, and doors for the gig are at 7pm.
Matt Frederik
(Photo Credit: Warner Bros Media / Shervin Lainez)