St. Catherine's Child Live at Rough Trade, LPL

credit → @daveorsmbymusic

Last night (25th September) I had the pleasure of bearing witness to one of the dearest, intimate live performances I have ever seen - St. Catherine’s Child aka Ilana Zsigmond and her wonderful live band who for the most part, played on the record itself This Might Affect You which was also (!) tracked live in the studio, as all the best are.

Liverpool is a windy city, it’s fucking cold, it’s considerably large, it’s intimidating to say the least, but it’s also a place where you can rest in the warm embrace of community, cosily. 

Here, you will find a family, people to love you unconditionally, and carry you through some fucked up shit. Zsigmond knows this, appreciates this, and captures the soul of her late father, Andrew Zsigmond, grief, finding love in the deepest of sorrows, and the community that rallied around her during this period (and lack thereof). 

That same community were in the room, supporting and emanating love from the floor to the stage, where Zsigmond and her band performed the album from start to finish on a dimly lit stage, passing glances to one another, finding comfort in the familiarity of friendly faces whilst pouring their hearts out for everyone to hear. It’s a cathartic piece of work, in the most literal sense of the word. It’s messy and loud, quiet and mellow, unhinged, a piece of mania - grief. 

It’s hauntingly beautiful, everything about it. 

Welfare checks were often, personalised tissues were scattered around the venue, and terrible dark humour was rampant - perfect Thursday night for your average person in their ‘20s. What are we if not ever so slightly manic?

The whole set was a highlight, one of the best gigs I have ever attended, surrounded by her family and friends. I feel like I witnessed a historical night, truly memorable - and I can only hope that I never forget it, but even if I do, I’ll always remember how I felt.

Honestly, I have binged her substacks and sobbed on my sofa multiple times. It’s a borderline parasocial relationship - so maybe I am a little biased, but I don’t think so; this is a rising star, someone who will make it, and arguably already has. Because what is to make it? Is it not to find a family to bear your heart with, and make music that really fucking matters, music that will carry not only your spirit but the spirit of everyone you know long after you’re all gone. Creating physical copies of said music, so that it can be passed down every generation and touch others for centuries to come. 

What a pleasure to be let into someone’s world in this way, and what a beautiful way to immortalise her father’s spirit.

Kudos.

Listen to the whole fucking album, seriously, but maybe call a friend afterwards.