Gig review: Tina Deco

Published on Thursday 4 December 2008 20:00

TINA DICO VOODOO ROOMS, EDINBURGH

TINA Dico is a tiny little Dane who appears, at first, too unassuming for the stage. Accompanied by Dennis Ahlgren, a fellow Dane, and Helgi Jonsson, a kooky, Icelandic trumpet player, the lack of opening chatter or much in the way of showmanship from the group seemed to be evidence that this extremely intimate venue had thrown them.

One track in, however, it became clear that the lack of patter was a sign of confidence, not insecurity. Dico's magic is slow to work but incredibly potent in its effect. Her lyrics weave personal angst with revolutionary spirit, creating an acoustic sound that is one part Imogen Heap to two parts Joni Mitchell.

Once she'd got into her stride, she offered tales of past loves and growing pains as an introduction to each furiously honest track. Songs started to feel like diary entries and yet the audience seemed flattered, not alienated by the disclosure.

There was also a careful balance created between the emotive power of the personal tracks and the thumping rhythms and trumpet solos of tracks such as Some Other Day and No Time To Sleep, both of which have all the makings of an anthem.

Dico's current UK tour showcases A Beginning, A Detour, An Open Ending. This new album replaces the poetry of her previous work with strong narratives of change and uncertainty. The result is a shift in sound from soft lyricism to something bolder and more folksy. It seems Dico feels older, but not necessarily wiser, and her music is all the better for it.