Opportunities like this in the North East are particularly rare, this evening we take our seats in the humongous Hall One at The Sage Gateshead. As Arc Iris take to the stage we’re somewhat unsure what to expect, Jocie Adams is a former member of one of our favourite bands The Low Anthem, and, named for their beautiful folk rock, Arc Iris have inherited some of this.

However, Arc Iris posses something slightly different and their live set could be likened to that of The Dresden Dolls. At times it won't feel out of place in a cabaret club, that said we’re left completely dumbfounded by the delicacy and beauty of Jocie’s voice. It’s an odd performance to sum up but it’s befitting of tonight’s bill, as we anticipate the arrival of St Vincent.

Prior to her appearance a notice is played out, appealing to the fellow fans of analogue entertainment asking people to refrain from recording and photographing the show. A message similar to that which Kate Bush issued prior to her comeback performances. The reason we mention this is that St Vincent is something of a modern day Kate Bush.

Annie Clark is not your average musical artist, she shuffles on to stage in what has become a typically robotic fashion. The thick synth line of ‘Rattlesnake’ echoes out through this huge venue, despite her sleek appearance Annie owns the stage. Collecting her guitar and she quite literally slays the close of the track.

Already in awe, Clark bursts in to the unbelievably amazing ‘Digital Witness,’ in our eyes, a particularly brave move. We firmly believe this is St Vincent's best track to date, however we are later proved wrong as this ladies talents have no bounds; this evening’s performance nothing short of phenomenal, Annie’s delicate blend of electronics and virtuosic guitar playing providing an excellent balance to the evening.

Annie’s ability to put on a show is fantastic, her choreography is spot on and her stage presence is larger than life. Even her on stage banter is somewhat off the wall, though no less brilliant with her conversing with the audience about how when adults look at one another they imagine them as babies. Leaving us slightly puzzled yet still appreciating the musical genius whom is quite clearly bearing her soul in front of us.

Tracks like ‘Laughing with a Mouth of Blood’ and ‘Surgeon’ stand out above the rest. ‘Actor Out of Work’ is arguably a stand out from her back catalogue too, and once again she brutally slays this crowd at every turn, we’re truly are completely blown away. They close out their set with ‘Bring Me Your Loves’, firmly replaced itself as our favourite St Vincent track.

It sums up what has been an amazing evening, so few artists have the ability to conquer this huge hall and tonight St Vincent approached it from a completely different angle. Once again with audience in complete awe, Annie returns to the stage alone to play ‘Strange Mercy,’ the final facet of this evening's show, as she delivers a final beautifully heart-wrenching track.

We leave the venue filled with amazement, almost unable to comprehend the phenomenal evening we’ve just had, one which will go down as the greatest show we’ve seen in a very long time. So few artists have the stage presence and the music to back it up, bringing it back to our point about the equally wonderful Kate Bush. To us, Annie Clark is definitely a modern day equivalent.  

 

It’s that time of year again… The festival season is well and truly underway, and it’ll be difficult not to notice the coverage of this year’s Glastonbury Festival as it finds its way onto our screens for another weekend of live music and unpredictable weather. Here are my top ten artists heading to this year’s festival:

Robert Plant – ‘Rainbow’

Rock legend Robert Plant returns to Glastonbury with a big slot on the Pyramid Stage before Jack White and Saturday night’s slightly controversial headliners, Metallica. Plant will be promoting his new album, Lullaby And The Ceaseless Roar, which will be released on September 8.

Here’s a taste of Robert Plant’s new track, which was aired for the first time on 6Music on Monday. The official video seems though to be unavailable in the UK so this is a live version:

Anna Calvi – ‘The Devil’

A great performer, and a voice that is both haunting and mesmerizing; Anna Calvi has landed herself a small slot playing at the Park Stage. It’s certainly one not to miss, if you’re happy to choose Calvi over the unfortunate clash with Jack White on the Pyramid Stage

Arcade Fire – ‘Normal Person’

If the rumours haven’t started already, then I’m starting them. Will David Bowie make an appearance for ‘Reflektor’? The answer, sadly, is probably not, but it won’t stop Arcade Fire putting on a great show after rave reviews from their shows at Earls Court earlier this month. Expect to see some special guests in this headline slot on the Pyramid Stage.

This version of ‘Normal Person’ also has a few lines of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ in the intro, and was performed on Later… With Jools Holland in May.

St. Vincent – ‘Birth In Reverse’

Annie Clark brings her latest album, St. Vincent, to Pilton with the promise of a UK tour this coming August. St. Vincent will then head to the states before yet more dates in the UK and Europe, so it’s set to be a very busy year for the 'Digital Witness' singer. Catch her at the Park Stage.

 

Jonny Greenwood – ‘Overtones’ (From The Master Soundtrack)

Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has been focusing on his film scores of late, working with the London Contemporary Orchestra performing classical music including works from his film scores for There Will Be Blood and The Master. It’ll be interesting to see how this one goes down with a festival atmosphere, but I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

On a side note, what are the odds of Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood turning up for an impromptu set somewhere at Worthy Farm this weekend?

The Mariachis – ‘Don’t You Want Me Baby’

Yes, it’s that band from the Doritos advert. Yes, you can see them over at Avalon. Yes, I hope they play this song.

Kodaline – ‘One Day’ (2014 Version)

Any regular readers of this column will be aware that I am a fan of Kodaline. Their first album last year was greatly received as they played early on the Friday at the John Peel. This year they take to the Other Stage, potentially with a few new songs in the repertoire.

Lana Del Rey – ‘West Coast’

Having released Ultraviolence last week and then watched it top the UK album charts, Lana Del Rey should be full of confidence ahead of her slot on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday. With a reputation as a great performer, it’s difficult not to expect great things.

Kwabs – ‘Last Stand’

I cannot tell you how talented this man is. Having worked with renowned producer SOHN, Kwabs has produced some truly spectacular tracks. He is sure to impress on a small stage; you can catch him at La Pussy Parlure Nouveau on Sunday afternoon.

Plastic Ono Band – ‘Give Peace A Chance’

I didn’t even know that the Plastic Ono Band were still going, but they were a welcome surprise on the line up this year. Glastonbury is the perfect setting for a sing-a-long to this classic track, and the perfect chance to pay tribute to John Lennon with Yoko and co; it could be quite the moment.

You can follow Tom on twitter @tom_fake