Sandi Thom at the Jazz Café

Made famous by her controversial song I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (with Flowers in My Hair), Sandi Thom is back in the UK and promoting the release of her sixth studio album, Weapons of Past Destruction. Last night we dropped by Camden’s Jazz Café to catch the second show in her limited UK tour.

When the singer makes her way down to the stage barefoot and dressed in a flowing white dress, it quickly becomes apparent she is heavily pregnant. Joined on-stage by classical cellist Callum and talented guitarist Carmen, Thom takes her seat and opens the room with a bluesy harmonica riff that delights. Lit under moody reds and purples, the Jazz Café’s intimate setting lends itself perfectly to Thom’s stripped-back performance. Six and a half months pregnant, she isn’t jumping around stage or diving into crowds, but instead treats us to a candid and heart-warming set, one that highlights everything that makes her great.

A naturally gifted singer and performer, even noticeably pregnant, every note is spot on and, despite the band being thrown together at the last minute due to a change in plan by the venue, everything sounds top notch. It’s the perfect antidote to the criticism that has been launched Thom’s way in recent weeks for a video she made admonishing BBC Radio 2. Between songs, she trades stories and jokes, making the point that her baby has already been to more concerts than most and giving advice to always speak your mind. It’s a truly heartfelt experience and supporting shouts from the crowd further brighten the atmosphere.

Thom performs a number of firsts from the new album including, Ghosts and Another Broken Heart and Lost Home, but perhaps the highlight is her cover of Times Like These, a song that she dedicates to the victims of the Paris bombings and other world tragedies in a brief speech on the importance of unity in times of strife. Due to her pregnancy, Sandi only has a few performance dates set in her calendar, but if you have the opportunity to see her, we highly recommend you do.

Alex Corona
Photos: Chloe Darnaud

For further information about Sandi Thom and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Times Like These here: