I suppose it should come as no surprise that “quite possibly the best small venue in the world” is a tad ‘rammed’ this eve, in spite of Abigail and her wiled ways of hurricane, Tut’s briefly takes us all away from blustering winds and Jona Lewie.
Actual surprises are kept for later on in proceedings as a restless yet enthusiastic audience marvel at the talent and other worldly characteristics showcased by a pair of twenty year old twins.
Attempting to classify the French-Cuban sister’s work is just as tricky a proposition as predicting the various niceties provided by Mother Nature’s weather around St. Vincent Street.
A whirlwind of influences can be noted from D’Angelo to the Fugees and Billie Holiday, however it seems their primary inspiration is drawn from a little closer to home; Yoruba songs of Nigeria taught by their mother and then a dad who performed percussion with the ongoing Cuban ensemble Buena Vista Social Club.
Beginning slowly with a Yoruba traditional song in a cappella the girls stare back at an already mesmerised audience and as they hold hands their compelling spells have most in attendance sedated and weak.
While succumbing to these fascinating charms a packed crowd are treated to some thoughtful English commentary on the origins of the pieces showcased amongst the blend of French, English and Nigerian Yoruba singing.
It isn’t all a cappella though as sampling synths and percussion are intertwined amongst the fusion of musical cultures, topped off by beautiful harmonies perfectly executed at each and every note.
Naomi appears to pound the crap out of everything in the immediate vicinity including her own body while bashing away on pads; countering this manic behaviour Lisa remains reserved on keys her smooth majestic delivery maintained throughout.
Following another a cappella break out a clear peak of the night is reached with ‘Mama Says’, a ballad of unmatched haunted beauty, which we are reminded is dedicated to their now widowed mother.
‘I’m On My Way’ requires audience participation, repeating the refrain over and over again in an uplifting respite from the melancholy that characterises the majority of their songs.
Although largely a minimal affair you’d be hard pressed to witness a performance with a similar level of purity and soul, at times you have to remind yourself we are not actually in a house of god and the spiritual vibes are simply manifested by Ibeyi.
Live music purists may gripe with the amount of samples and loops on offer, but in truth everything is so impressively wielded together and complete with a charisma and stage presence belying their tender years it is a treat.
With Naomi finger clicking her way through an ingenious cover of Jay Electronica’s ‘Better in Tune with the Infinite’ we are further treated to some of the more hip hop oriented leanings of the duo, hinting possibly at the potential of the girls in the future and giving the original cut a run for its money.
‘Stranger/Lover’ gets a healthy dose of toe tapping/clapping as we lap up bassy beats, but the chilling yet sparse piano Bond theme brilliance of ‘Behind the Curtain’ trumps all.
Then it seems the twins don’t want to leave, indeed Naomi appears more than willing to exert a never ending supply of energy, perhaps enough for the two combined.
Everyone joins in at a second (a cappella) version of ‘River’ led by the calm sultry soul acquired by Lisa, these sisters do genuinely appear to consider themselves blessed.
Maybe this short encore is as much for them as us, Ibeyi look at one another almost hypnotically while conducting the crowd, as our mystic ceremony comes to a triumphant close.
Words: Andy Quigley
