Mika @ KokoBritish Lebanese #1 pop act a hit at London's Koko Club
Words Jude Ramzy
He has an air of Freddie Mercury about him, a subtle similarity to Robbie Williams in his voice, a vocal range that makes Justin Timberlake seem monotone and the fun spiritedness of Jamiraqoui’s Jay Kay. Each and every song he performed last night at Camden's Koko club in London was #1 single material. Everyone knows and obviously loves Grace Kelly - it made #1 before even being released in the shops [see Sharq report] - but Big Girl, during the performance of which Mika was joined on stage by some scantily-clad very voluptuous women - is better. The song, and the performance, praises the fuller figured woman without making a political statement of it. He's having fun with it and the crowd certainly did too.Mika during his performance of the fun upbeat song Big Girl
Each song is different from the others but somehow you can tell they all belong to the same artist and the same album. This is when you realise that comparisons are futile and Mika has in fact brought a new sound to the industry. It may be a bit of this and a bit of that - but it in no way feels formulated.
He is the kind of artist you know from the outset will be around in a decade - long after his first hit and his first million is made - because you can see it's in his bones to sing and perform. The fact that he writes his own songs is an added bonus, and one that is reflected in the fire and flawlessness of his performance.
Mika thanked the 500 odd crowd for there support and faith in him and his music and those lucky enough to be near the stage got showered with confetti during the closing number Lollipop while women dressed as Mika's character Lollipop Lady (Mika is also a cartoonist - see www.mikasounds.com for all his characters) danced around the stage with large balloons - which could later be seen held my jolly women walking towards Mornington Crescent tube station. Lollipop is in fact Mika's personal favourite and a song he wrote for his sister.
I definitely much prefer the relaxed atmosphere of Koko, not least because you can go to the loo and get a drink during the gig while still enjoying the music, as opposed to waiting in line some 100 meters from the nearest speaker in a large arena. The only downside is that the set only lasted 1 hour, and while that’s a bargain considering the tickets were only £10, I was still in the mood for some head bopping.
And along came a purple turtle to the rescue! We walk into the bar opposite Koko - The Purple Turtle - for a wind down drink and find ourselves among a small crowd enjoying the rock music of The Underline, an unsigned band with a lot of talent. The five lads from Maidenhead have a great sound, and like Mika write their own music.
The Underline - 5 boys from Maidenhead
I can’t understand why they don’t have a record deal. I’m reminded of Mika’s Grace Kelly. Though it has an upbeat sound, the lyrics speak of frustration and anger. In fact Mika wrote the song in reflection of the rejections he received before finally getting signed. As peculiar as it is to hear that someone with his talent experienced rejection, I hope his subsequent success motivates bands like The Underline to keep the faith and keep rockin’!
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© SharqMagazine.com
Related Links
Mika's Official Website www.MikaSounds.com
The Underline's Official Website www.TheUnderline.com
