St Vincent 14.10.2024 @ Manchester Albert Hall

Credit for this page goes to: John Gilman

Anne Clark, better known as St. Vincent, has spent years building a reputation in the indie world with her unique fusion of pop, art rock, and lyrical brilliance. It wasn’t until her self-titled 2014 album that the wider music scene finally took serious notice. Raised in Dallas but born in Tulsa, Anne’s journey included touring with David Byrne, contributing to The Polyphonic Spree, and collaborating with Sufjan Stevens before forging her own path as St. Vincent.

Opening with “Reckless” from her latest album All Born Screaming was a daring choice. The atmospheric opener swirled through the high arches and stained glass of the Albert Halls, perfectly complementing the venue’s grandeur. Nearly half the setlist was drawn from the new album, seamlessly woven with older material. The songs blended so naturally that even new listeners would have been hard-pressed to distinguish between the fresh tracks and the classics.

Anne commanded the stage with striking contrasts—one moment, she was a kinetic whirlwind, crashing across the stage like a storm; the next, her vocals were so delicate and raw that the audience sat in rapt silence, afraid to break the spell. “Dilettante,” an early gem from Strange Mercy, was a welcome surprise. Jason Falkner, the guitarist, was a joy to watch—his grin never left his face as he bounded around the stage, embodying the same enthusiasm the audience felt. His infectious energy mirrored the band’s overall spirit, enhancing the night’s magic.

“Digital Witness” remained as eccentric and playful as ever, while “Cheerleader” stood out as a powerful statement on self-respect. But the night’s wildest moment came during “Broken Man.” Anne crowd surfing before climbing from the stage into the balcony. Climbing the railings down almost falling, breaking her in-ear monitor in the process. She finished the song sprawled across an empty balcony seat, a perfect encapsulation of her unpredictable energy. Moments like this brought an exhilarating sense of danger that’s often missing from big, polished arena shows.

Backed by a stellar group of musicians—each a close friend—St. Vincent’s sound was sharp and immersive. Falkner’s gritty guitar added edge, while Mark Guiliana’s drumming provided a flawless rhythmic foundation. Rachel Eckroth’s keyboards added lush, swirling layers, and Charlotte Kemp Muhl’s bass prowled effortlessly through every groove with impeccable style. The synergy between the musicians was palpable, enhancing both the delicate ballads and the harder-hitting tracks.

The Albert Halls provided the perfect backdrop for the show, with its stained glass and resonant acoustics amplifying both the tender and electric moments. During an extended version of “New York,” Anne sat on the edge of the stage, pouring every ounce of emotion into the haunting lyrics: “I have lost a hero, I have lost a friend. But for you, darling, I’d do it all again.” It was a spine-tingling moment, capturing the raw vulnerability that makes her performances unforgettable.

The night closed on a breathtaking note with an acoustic version of “Somebody Like Me,” performed by just Anne and Rachel on keys. Stripped down to its barest elements, the song felt intimate and personal, leaving the crowd in silent awe.

This was my second time seeing St. Vincent, having first caught her during the 2022 Daddy’s Hometour. That experience was so mesmerizing that I vowed never to miss another opportunity to see her in Manchester. With just three stops on this tour—London, Bristol, and Manchester—I’m grateful she chose to return to this city. It’s clear Manchester holds a special place in her heart, and the feeling is mutual. Even if you’re unfamiliar with her music, I can’t recommend seeing St. Vincent live enough. Her concerts offer an experience beyond just songs—it’s pure joy, unpredictability, and artistry rolled into one unforgettable night.

Set List;

1; Reckless

2; Fear The future

3; Los Ageless

4; Big Time Nothing

5; Marrow

6; Dilettante

7; Pay your way in pain

8; Violent times

9; Digital Witness

10; Sweetest Fruit

11; Flea