LIVE FROM THE PIT: Kim Gordon and Lonnie Gunn

KIM GORDON, the icon behind the cultural sensation that was SONIC YOUTH, has returned to London after two years. Bringing songs from her third studio album, Play Me, as well as her other work, the night was indeed a nostalgic leap in the past and a celebration of the present.

Opening the night was LONNIE GUNN. The New Jersey-born and Brighton-based artist brought a full band with her to the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, and from the beginning it was obvious the performance at the world-famous venue meant a world to her. Enchanting the room with her ethereal voice, that was complimented by the crisp sound of guitars and a booming echo of the drums, the vocalist sang through her short setlist swiftly. LONNIE did not forget to interact with the crowd either, and whilst the room was not completely filled, there were still plenty of fans who did enjoy her set.

KIM GORDON and her band-mates were up next and the energy in the crowd definitely shifted. Not only had the venue filled up more, it was also evident from the chatter that the night was very anticipated. Once the lights went down, they were immediately followed by a projection on the screen in the background that did not disappear until the end of the set. The musicians took their place on the stage, and not long after, KIM GORDON made her way in front of the crowd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lAEedkpDHQ

Starting the first half of the set with her new album, Play Me, GORDON presented the crowd eleven songs from the release, excluding BYEBYE25! from the lineup. Tracks like the opening PLAY ME, BUSY BEE and NOT TODAY were met with a very positive response from the crowd, although all songs were met with loud cheers from the fans. GORDON took on playing the guitar for some songs, and even though she mostly stayed by her microphone stand, the first row was surprised with her occasional appearance at the very edge of the stage.

With the second half featuring GORDON’s previous work, there was no doubt the fans found more pieces they were familiar with. From The Candy House, to It’s Dark Inside and Cookie Butter, the impact of GORDON and SONIC YOUTH’s thirty-years long presence on the current rock scene was more than evident. Closing the night with Cigarettes, KIM GORDON managed to get the whole Shepherds Bush Empire on their feet and confirmed why she keeps her reign as one of the most important figures of the rock scene.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: Cally Begg