Quirky Kimbra takes charge at the Ogden

Kimbra, a singer-songwriter out of New Zealand, is best known for her duet with Gotye on “Somebody That I Used to Know.” However, this fresh new artist proves to be more than just a complementary act.

On Oct. 10, Kimbra and the opening Connecticut-based band The Stepkids took the stage at the Ogden Theatre. The Stepkids had an awesome installation that consisted of various psychedelic-looking light projections. However, the band’s sound wasn’t all that inviting.

Specifically, at the end of their performance, the members tried to show off the highest pitches of their voices, but it sounded more like an injured scream. Complete with disjointed solos, the last few minutes of The Stepkids show were impossible to bear.

The anticipation of Kimbra was apparent. People of all ages came to have a good time listening to the entertaining, interesting singer and her positive songs. The crowd was so friendly, it seemed they would cheer on anyone who wandered on the stage.

Kimbra immediately fired up the crowd further when she ran out on the stage in a crazy neon dress and got into character right away. The crowd instantly started cheering and singing along to songs from her debut album Vows. Taking into consideration that her first full-length album was released just about a year ago, the apparent familiarity with the lyrics was impressive. The crowd was dancing, clapping, and encouraging the show in every way possible.

Kimbra had a blast with her layered costume, which was transformed a few times during the show as she took off the colorful layers. She was playing with the crowd, making faces and dancing flirtatiously. She poured her soul into performance with a range of dramatic facial expressions and mini-acts. And the assortment of what she had in store was endless.

A majority of Kimbra’s music creations were fast and energetic with just a few slower songs, which let the band and crowd cool down. One of those, “Settle Down,” magnetized the crowd to the stage and seemed to create a serene sing-along with Kimbra. The whole auditorium seemed in sync with the performers.

Of course, songs like “Cameo Lover” and “Good Intent,” videos to which enjoy multi-million view stats all over the internet, were anticipated and received with the loudest approval. The all ages crowd, dominated by teenagers, enjoying itself to the fullest. The concert ended up being very uplifting and buoyant. Leaving after the end of the concert people still looked energetic and content.

Kimbra put on a cool show and made it obvious that she is an artist to be aware of. With her natural acting abilities, songwriting talent, and a powerful voice, she already has put herself on the map. There is no stopping this girl.