Flo Perlin: Live at the Liverpool Philharmonic

Last Thursday (October 10th) was a cold, dark, windy day in Liverpool. It was one of those days when you look out the window and think: "Nope, not today." Which is what I did. Except... I had committed to catching a show with my partner. That show was the sensational Flo Perlin in the Music Box at the Liverpool Philharmonic. 

I had spoken to Flo the week before about her music, more specifically, her new album 'Clay'. And she was kind enough to put us on the guest list for the show. So, we braved the cold and wind, hopped on a bus and hopped off at Hardman St. Naively, off we went into the main building. There, we went to the box office and asked for our tickets. None there. Go away and come back in thirty minutes, they said. So, American Pizza Slice it is. Hawaiian, of course. Beasted the pizza, beasted about three of the tater tots, and binned the rest. Back to the Philharmonic, packed out the door. Strange for a small artist. Big in Liverpool, maybe? Back to the box office. Still nothing. Oh wait, since you're so persistent, here are some stalls tickets. Guenther Steiner? Hardly know him. The former Haas Formula 1 team principal, apparently. We give the tickets back, confused. Sorry... we're here to see Flo Perlin. "Flo Perlin?" Oh, that's in the Music Box. Finally, it makes sense. 

So, we brave the cold and wind again and walk around the corner to the Music Box. Ah, much better. Immediately welcomed with smiling faces and warm personalities. Beer or soft drink? Lemon sparkling water it is. A cup with ice? Get in. Drinks secured, and we make our way to our seats. It was lovely and warm, and the lighting was one of the best I've seen, depicting the shadows of a Georgian window and some autumn leaves onto the wall behind the stage. The crowd was respectful, and while we waited, we played some Wordscapes, facing our stupidity head-on. 

Then, the opening act walks on stage, St. Catherines Child, known in her day-to-day life as Ilana Zsigmond. Native to New Haven, Connecticut, but settled in the UK, she brings a slice of Americana to the UK. It was an intoxicating set. Zsigmond knows how to hold a room. Impressive, with only a stool, her guitar, poignant lyricism, and her humourous anecdotes. Oh, and her sister in the crowd, clearly, her biggest supporter and cheerleader. Her songs covered heartbreak, loss, and belonging - things we can all relate to. 'I Know Nothing' was a standout from her set and a good place to start listening. 

Then, the interval - which inevitably led to more Wordscapes. 

After the interval, Flo walked on stage. Same set-up: stool, guitar, poignant lyricism (different vibe from Zsigmond's), sense of humour. Immediately, I noticed how beautiful her guitar was. So, I wasn't surprised to find out it was personally crafted for her by Taran Guitars in Scotland (Fife). And, it's currently on its first tour with her. Good for them! It sounded great, and looked the part. Flo's set was touching, and she immersed the audience in her sonic world. The whole room lost in her world - through her lyrical storytelling of her heritage, family, and self. 'Mother Tongue' was a standout from Flo's set and can be found on her latest album 'Clay'. 

After the show, we stuck around to speak to Flo, recommend some breakfast spots, and buy some merch (of course, buy merch at shows guys). Last in line, we were patiently waiting to buy our merch, and Zsigmond must have given up, packing up her briefcase of merch. My partner, desperate for a CD, practically jumped at her. No! I want a CD! Zsigmond happily obliged. Kaitlin got her CD, and it has been on repeat in her 2009 Ford Ka for a whole week now. It's great. After speaking to Flo and securing our merch, we travelled home, collapsed into our sofa and probably watched something shit before going to bed.

It was a great night, filled with positive vibes, beautiful music, and lovely people.

You can still catch Flo at her last show of this headline tour in Bristol on October 22nd.