Kate McGrath at the Kazimier, August 2015. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

There are tales of heroism to be told and battles that are yet to be spoken of in the heart of any performer, for the most part these stories of courage and gallant fearlessness are the sole reserve of the darkened room, the intimate setting of the shut door venue and where the glare of spotlight defects from the eyes of the artist and the slight upturned smile masking some inner torment.

The ambience of daylight, regardless of whether it is joined by slate grey skies that feel as though they have been scrubbed with a Brillo Pad that hadn’t been chucked into a bin, the silver scratches embedded deep into the fabric of the afternoon and the Sun chuckling away as it slams the door and walks out on summer forever, gives a new meaning when the eyes that hold the secrets of the soul can be seen and the blazing iris’ shimmer with a beauty that matches the songs on offer.

There is a bubbling effervescence to Katy McGrath as she takes the Kazimier Garden audience through their paces and even the threat of rain that was hanging breathlessly in the air like a sniper ready to unload a single shot against the light of a single match, patient, unforgiving, could not dispel the myth like stance that this performer cultivated between each pluck on a guitar string and the look of intense satisfaction in each darting look.

Heroism, a quality not normally reserved for the artistic community, but one that is well deserved in the case of Ms. McGrath. There is a daring to her music that one cannot help fall in love with, even on first time listen which could be seen as tuneful or harmonious lust, is a deep longing to hear the songs on offer and beg upon approval for it continue; it is a love well born.

The natural effervescence that surrounds Katy McGrath is a loaded gun, the smile on her face betrays the secret in the songs on offer and in tracks such New One, Mute, the excellent Three, Smoke and the fantastic Mantra, all that is needed is a willing compliance to be taken down a road that you know exists no map and no return journey.

The Kazimier Garden has played host to many a stirring set of songs but in this fine young musician, the act of heroism, of toiling but having the bravado to smile broadly at all thoughts was one to be honoured to have heard and witnessed.

A terrific set by someone you cannot help but fall for.

Ian D. Hall