Review: Anna Erhard, Dareshack – “Her vocal delivery causes goosebumps”

Anna Erhard’s back and alot seems to have changed for her: radio play on BBC 6 Music and continued support from Lauren Laverne, amongst others, has seen her play a sold-out gig here in Brizzle tonight.

I first saw Anna play The Louisiana this time last year and now, with the release of her third album Botanical Garden, it’s good to see her selling out a venue a little larger with appreciation for her music growing, as it should. The album is fantastic and I’m excited to hear the new songs live.

Up for the support slot this evening is Robert Kretzschmar – aka drums, vocals & guitarist with Anna Erhard. I’m struck by the vulnerability of playing to a whole room of people who may not have heard your music, in deadly silence, eyeball-to-eyeball, with only a guitar in your armoury.

Luckily Robert has a charming and sweet stage persona, accompanied by his tiny old Czech guitar. He is here tonight to “raise money for a bigger one” and then possibly take over the world. His songs are filled with wit and subtle beauty. Teenagers, addressed to a room with no teenagers in it, discusses a disconnect with teens and waiting to help them wash their clothes to unite them as one.

The songs are short and sharp, as is the set, with more than one song twigging Belle and Sebastian similarities to my ears. Robert’s happy to be here, and we are happy to see him. With the room full of dry ice and a “see you in a minute,” he leaves a happy crowd.

Robert Kretzschmar joked he was playing in order to fundraise to buy a bigger guitar

Before we know it Anna Erhard appears, followed by Robert to take up his place back onstage behind the drums. Yet more dry ice fills the air, split by a vivid red and blue light display.

Anna’s songs now have a new life, with the older tunes sounding fresh, funky and beefed up. Cut it Out shows a more tender side lyrically and her vocal delivery causes goosebumps; the guitar solo could carry on all day in my book.

A run of “the hits” starts with Hot Family, a lyrically strangely funny tune, with a dirty bassline just made to indie dance to. The album title track Botanical Garden is crowd pleaser and contains the epitome of Anna’s charm as a songwriter.

Anna’s songs, new and old, are fresh, funky and full of life

Her lyrics describe an amusing review left online for a botanical garden: “the peacocks looked depressed,” “not enough coy carp,” and “kids were singing happy birthday too close to the highway”. The song is upbeat and great to whistle to.

The set incorporates all three of Anna’s albums, with the newer songs fitting delightfully alongside the oldies. The band are clearly very close, with Anna looking to drummer Robert throughout: it feels as if he is the glue that keeps it all ticking over, helping out with a line when Anna briefly stumbles on a word or two; he’s having the time of his life.

This is a band I’d happily join and play tambourine if they would have me.

The band appear to be firm friends, demonstrating a tight bond on stage

Campsite is a punchy, bluesy jam of a number that finishes the set in a crescendo of noise with Anna shouting “Campsite!!!” A quick turnaround ensures that there is time for one more song. Show closer Stash sees the band harmonising exquisitely, eyes closed. A beautiful way to end the set, showcasing the closeness and talent in the band.

Anna Erhard is now off to sold-out shows in both London and Brighton. Good times and well deserved.

All images: Matt Barnes

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