Alice Merton @ August Hall 10/4/2018

Our Rocktober started off strong with a review from contributing writer and professional concert photographer Marc Fong. For his first visit to August Hall he covered headliner Alice Merton. 

Alice Merton is literally hitting the ground running. The singer-songwriter has to-date only released a handful of songs, but watching her live, it's clear this up-and-coming artist is going to be huge. 

Alice Merton @ August Hall 10/4/2018
photo by Marc Fong 

Last month, Merton announced that her debut album Mint would be released January 2019. Those who argue that the artist is a one-hit wonder clearly have not seen her perform live recently. I have seen Merton on a couple of occasions (LIVE105's, now Alt 105.3 N.S.S.N 2017 and Bottlerock 2018) and not only is she getting more comfortable as a live artist, but she continues to create and perform great music. 

Last week, the Bay Area was treated to an amazing performance from the English-born/German raised artist. San Francisco's August Hall hosted Alice Merton on October 4th and she did not disappoint in the least. Not only did she play her familiar radio hits , she also gave soulful performances of unfamiliar tracks. Her set had some songs for us to look forward to on her album next January. 

Alice Merton @ August Hall 10/4/2018
photo by Marc Fong 

I expected August Hall to be packed to the gills and was disappointed to learn that more tickets were not sold. This is likely due to Merton's present song collection which is small since she doesn't have an album out yet. In any event, if the songs she performed in San Francisco are indicative of what's on Mint, I am confident that had this show occurred after the release of her debut album, she would likely need a couple nights booked at August Hall. 

Not withstanding the modest ticket sales, Alice Merton's performance was powerful and heartfelt. Her sound is for fans of Florence + the Machine meets Bishop Briggs; a cross between dance, pop, rock and soul, Merton's music can be both melodic and raucous. Live, the familiar radio fave tracks, "No Roots", "Lash Out", and Hit the Ground Running" sounded fantastic, just how they sound over the airwaves. Hearing the un-familiar tracks performed with passion, emotion and poignancy was as incredible as hearing the known singles. 

This show stuck with me long after it was over. The morning after I found myself humming the punchy fun track "Holes" which she performed the night before. It's catchy single without the stigma of kitsch. 

Merton's live show has certainly improved compared to her fairly stiff performance in Napa at Bottlerock last May. Now when she is on-stage she is cat like and fluid. She danced and swayed with the audience at August Hall making the show more of an enjoyable experience. Even in the poorly lit venue, her personality blossomed as her engaged with her fans. 

I was fortunate to be a part of this intimate experience which left me looking forward to hearing Mint

in full in a just a couple of months. 

Alice Merton @ August Hall 10/4/2018
photo by Marc Fong 

set-list 10/4/2018 

1. Hit the Ground Running 

2. Keeps Me Awake 

3. Holes 

4. Learn to Live 

5. Jealousy 

6. Trouble in Paradise 

7. PCH 

8. Honeymoon Heartbreak 

9. Speak Your Mind 

10. Lash Out 

11. Grudge 

12. No Roots 

13. Why So Serious?