Preview: Robyn @ Manchester Academy

*THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO SICKNESS*

Just four months after her last Manchester show, Swedish pop royalty Robyn returns to the North West showcasing the best of her 2010 3-album- extravaganza, ‘Body Talk’.

In a unique and some might say risky career move, Robyn spent most of 2010 releasing new music. Three albums and a crop of singles; the Body Talk project has been a fan's dream. Culminating in the definitive Body Talk album last winter (or Body Talk Part 3 in some circles) and the quite simply stunning pop perfection of single ‘Indestructible’, it’s hard to remember the last act to ascertain such universal acclaim. I challenge you to find a review of Robyn’s recent releases which is less than glowing. Throughout Europe and the US, music critics have marvelled at the lyrical genius of Sweden’s biggest musical export since... Abba?

It’s hard to believe Robyn started out as what appeared to be a manufactured, R&B-lite blonde diva. ‘Do You Know What It Takes?’ kicked things off for her in the US becoming a moderate chart hit, while the Max Martin (Britney Spears) produced ‘Show Me Love’ set the ball rolling throughout Europe. Several years later and now we have electro-pop-Robyn, penning her own infectious and perfectly crafted tunes, and in fact quietly developing a unique genre all of her own – electro-ballads. Emotional, heart rendering ballads with a pulsating electronic back bone – think ‘Dancing on My Own’, ‘Hang with me’ and recent single ‘Indestructible’ – are most definitely Robyn’s speciality. A pinnacle must be the huge 2007 number one hit ‘With Every Heartbeat’, a staple of Robyn’s live set, be it a stripped down acoustic version or hi-octane strobe light remix.

Fresh from a hugely successful US tour, Robyn returns to Manchester Academy for what is bound to be a bright, energetic and mesmerising live performance.

Words: Chris White

Robyn plays the Manchester Academy on Saturday 5^th March 2011.

Related article: 

Live Review: Robyn at Manchester Academy 2

*THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO SICKNESS*