Kim Gordon exudes her cool so effortlessly that it’s impossible to emulate (though this hasn’t stopped me from trying). It’s above imitation, even of itself, spurring her constant artistic experimentation and reinvention. Fittingly, the reign of our art star queen of New York cool continues, and onstage in Camden on Monday night, she proves that she has earned her crown.
Koko being the setting for Gordon’s debut London show feels like divine preordination since both exist in a space suspended between old and new. The iconic venue looks more or less the same, albeit the non-stick floors give the old gal away. Gordon, however, is somehow both easier and much more difficult to discern from her former self. A co-founding member of Sonic Youth, the most prolific art-rock band of the 80s, her husky voice is instantly recognisable. But unlike many withered ex-rockstars, clutching at the straws of their fame, Gordon’s career has forged on, teeming with unbridled energy that pulsates throughout all her work.
Post-Sonic-Youth, she has ventured into the New York art scene, written an award-winning memoir, Girl In A Band, and continued to make music through experimental-electronic duo Glitterbust and noise-rock outfit Body/Head. Yet, in 2019, after decades of creating at the nexus of art, music and culture, she released her debut solo album, No Home Record, to critical acclaim.
The set is an explosion of sound and ends all too soon. Gordon sings, screams, and even whispers her signature collage-art style lyrics atop a raw no-wave soundscape. The band don’t mess about either. Bassist Camilla Charlesworth, drummer Madison Vogt, and guitarist Sarah Register are worthy members of their front-woman’s stature; they flawlessly reconcile a wide range of genres that relentlessly tug at your attention.
Gordon shimmies to the trap beat of ‘Paprika Pony’, flings out her arms during the Post-Punk siren call of ‘Air BnB’ and flings her head back to wail on industrial ‘Murdered Out’. When finally slinging a guitar around her neck, the crowd cheer, and her performance elevates to even greater heights. Not long after, she climbs up her amp and thrusts it against the wall. The eruption of feedback is awesome and the crowd are enraptured.
Gordon, just shy of 70, still managing to deliver such a performance is an incredible feat. I guess I’m a royalist now – long live the Queen.
Words by Elina Ganatra
“Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.”