Clara Mann proves she’s an artist who understands that art in all forms deserves to be shown. ‘Live In The Royal Albert Hall’ is an EP that reminds us that a visual performance is just as important as the tracks. Live performances are a sacred part of an artist's craft, and Mann proves she understands that to the highest of possibilities. The outcome is a listening experience that prioritises her vocal strength and the musicians behind the scenes.
The opening track, ‘Remember Me (Train Song)', sets the tone immediately. Mann stands front and centre, taking us on a journey of leaving and hoping to be remembered by the people you lose. Her vocals are a melody everyone should witness. Live recordings can be a little tricky for some to cover, but Mann knows how to preserve herself without getting lost in the sound around her. A story starts to show with the first message already hitting emotionally hard.
‘500 Miles’ functions as the transition track while also being the stability between all three. It begins to focus on the movement of the world around us, specifically the emotional displacement one can have after leaving home. The performance can be read as someone who wants to return but knows that, in the state they're in, it wouldn't be best for them. The tension of wanting to stay and be remembered but wanting to become better and move on is presented beautifully, reinforced by Mann's soft tone.
Then, ‘Oranges’ is the closing chapter of the journey. After wanting to be remembered and the uncertainty of what comes next, this track brings home the emotional tone of it all.
The second half of the experience comes from the visual side showcased in these performances. On top of the live tracks, we've also been blessed with a video performance of all three. The lighting design at its core is the true win of it all. Mann is the work of art the videos focus on, standing in the centre whilst surrounded by figures sitting around her. They represent a deeper layer of emotional context without pulling our eyes away from the main performance. Combined with the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall architecture, the result is a visual masterpiece.
The clarity of Mann’s work is what elevates ‘Live In The Royal Albert Hall’ from a normal live EP to a cohesive work of art.
Kierra White
Image: ‘Live In The Royal Albert Hall’ Official Cover