Christine and the Queens: A Mesmerising Night of Pop Perfection.

★★★★★ (5/5)

CHRISTINE & THE QUEENS PERFORMING AT EDINBURGH’S USHER HALL
PHOTOCREDIT: STUART STOTT

Christine and the Queens, the enigmatic and innovative French artist, graced the stage of Edinburgh’s Usher Hall and what ensued was nothing short of a transcendent experience. This was not merely a concert; it was a captivating blend of music, dance, and theatricality that left the audience in awe.

From the moment Christine, whose real name is Héloïse Letissier, stepped onto the stage, she exuded an aura of effortless cool and charisma. Dressed in sharp black trousers and waistcoat, she appeared as a gender-blurring, genre-defying force of nature. The stage was bathed in dim, moody lighting, setting the scene for an intimate yet otherworldly performance.

The opening notes filled the air, and the crowd erupted with enthusiasm. Christine's voice, sultry and powerful, filled every corner of the venue. Her ability to seamlessly transition between singing in French and English showcased her linguistic dexterity, a testament to her multicultural background.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the concert was the choreography. Christine, a former theatre student, seamlessly integrated dance into her performance. Her movements were precise, expressive, and emotionally charged. She moved with the grace of a seasoned dancer adding depth and dimension to her already mesmerising stage presence. The choreography was a visual feast, enhancing the storytelling within each song.

As the setlist unfolded, it became evident that Christine and the Queens had a knack for crafting songs that ranged from pulsating electro-pop anthems to introspective ballads all had the audience dancing with reckless abandon, while the softer songs showcased Christine's vulnerability and lyrical prowess.

One of the standout moments of the night came during “I Feel Like An Angel”where Christine's voice soared to new heights. The combination of her vocal prowess and the song's ethereal soundscapes created an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The audience was collectively spellbound, hanging onto every word as if under a musical spell.

Throughout the performance, Christine's interactions with the audience were endearing. She spoke openly about her experiences, sharing stories that were both humorous and heartfelt. Her connection with the crowd was palpable, and it created a sense of intimacy in the midst of a large-scale production.

The production value of the concert was top-notch, with stunning visuals, dynamic lighting, and impeccable sound quality that elevated the music to a whole new level. The stage design was minimalistic yet effective, allowing the focus to remain on Letissier and her incredible talent.

As the concert reached its climax, Christine’s voice resonated with raw emotion, and the combination of her vocals, the choreography, and the lighting created an indelible moment of musical catharsis and in that moment I felt very fortunate to have been there to witness it.