Live Review: Holly Walker - Moth Club, London 29/11/2023
An intimately familiar voice serenades a packed-out MOTH Club.
If the name Holly Walker is not familiar to fans of contemporary electronic music then her delicate, yearning voice certainly should be. Long-time collaborator with much-loved British heavyweight duo Maribou State, her candid songwriting and emotionally-wrought vocal talents have recently found a new outlet in the guise of debut solo album Unsung (released on 10th November).
With promises of an early showcase of the sumptuous synth-pop tracks that comprise the debut LP (and a tangible hope for an airing of some Maribou State favourites), a bustling midweek crowd is cramped beneath the distinctive gold-glistening ceiling of Hackney hotspot MOTH Club.
“This is my manor, I live round the corner. This is my first gig in four years. I’m happy to be back” a relaxed Walker gushes after opening proceedings with Clunk – the buoyant synth burner which, conversely, is the final track on her Jamie Woon produced LP.
For all of the fanfare surrounding newer material, there is also time for reflection. On Straight Line, Hollyshowcases her immense vocal nuances and assured delivery, seeming still to live every wistful nuance of her earlier solo work.
Walker’s insouciant stage presence and natural charisma is enough to detract from a minor equipment malfunction in the earlier part of the set; the technical issue swiftly dealt with, she amuses and charms the crowd with a novel explanation for an earlier rushed soundcheck - a fox in the DJ booth apparently! She promises the giddy crowd she was not making this up before switching to keys for How Can I Tell You?, the recent albums stand-out opener. The eponymous choral refrain echoes over the captivated audience of East London’s most celebrated working man’s club.
The set is intimate and explorative; formative and reflective in equal measures. Throughout, Walkeremanates a genuine charisma and an earnest conviction in her craft.
After a stark performance of album title-track Unsung, Holly gives thanks to her audience: “It’s been a long time coming. I’m grateful for you all”.
Finishing the set with soaring renditions of co-written Maribou State tracks Nervous Tics and Steal, to the audible delight of all present, the gratitude was mutual.
Holly Walker returns to London on 14th March 2024 for a show at EartH, Hackney.
Words by Eliot Otelli
Photo Credit: Zoe Savitz
