LIVE REVIEW: DANNI NICHOLLS / GINA LARNER - THE HALF MOON - PUTNEY

It's not often that #TEAMw21 dip into see the same artist three times on one tour, but Danni Nicholl's new record "Making Moves" is an album that richly rewards, and the decision to visit the newly revamped Half Moon, would prove to be a very wise decision.

The night would open to a set from Gina Larner, blessed with a rapier like wit, she never fails to deliver. It is safe to say there is no-one else quite like Gina, whether fronting a kick ass band or playing solo, she'll always deliver the goods.

Taking to the stage unannounced, although within a few guitar strums and some high pitched cooing there was never really any doubt who we were in the presence of. Opening with her single "Sin" it soon became apparent that the stage microphone was almost an optional extra, for on occasions Gina would take a few steps back in her black and white boots and still her vocals seemed to come through as loud and clear as before.

Always a magnetic presence who it is hard to prise your eyes away from, she would end the song suddenly and only then formally introduce herself.

Her spoken intro to "Cocktail Menu" was as usual, as entertaining as the song itself, littered with lots of little wisecracks, that you have to be on your game to keep up with. Gina is so famous for her full blown, at times almost operatic delivery that when she sings at a slightly lower level it's easy to forget quite how gorgeously hypnotic her normal singing voice is. Before long she is working her way through the scales in an equally endearing way, wrapping her vocals around one of the many hooks that the song contains

"Give me a call I'm sure we can work it out"

Between verses she even managed to squeeze in a little dance, and later would even break the fourth wall mid song making this not so much a song as an undoubted performance.

Announcing her new single, due imminently "Can't Get No Sleep", even in this stripped back format and on first listen only, it displayed many of the pop sensibilities we know and love Gina for. The gentle strum and sweet vocals that would open "Liar", would almost tease, as within 30 seconds or so Gina had created a very good impression of the single, which if you'd heard it, you'll know is nigh on impossible with just your voice and an acoustic guitar, but come the chorus Gina seemed to manage it.

For the home straight, it was back to Gina's debut album, "One Way Or Another", which saw Gina move to her most soulful on her pronouncing of the songs title.

From there it was over to the pure pop of "I Think I Love You", where Gina was at her most irresistible as she sold the promise of her wares to be found on the merchandise desk. Once more this was a magnificent performance, full of differing levels of volume, totally overblown and impossible not to admire. Closing with "Heavy Heart", this would see Gina pack as much into one song as was humanly possible, the chorus soaring to ever greater heights. Thirty minutes of absolute delight!!

Gina was never going to be an easy act to follow, but Danni has a cracking new album in "Making Moves" and possibly tonight, more so than even the Water Rats show earlier in the tour, we were going to find out what it would be like if she fronted a truly rocking combo. Taking to the stage dressed in her bright pink jacket, supported by a three piece band who seemingly, with the most minimum of effort made the most maximum sound, Danni was in no mood for taking prisoners as she ripped into "Free Wheel". Backed with power percussion, throbbing bass and glorious guitar, this was power pop at its absolute finest.

There were big smiles all around, and within four clicks of the drumsticks, the band were already launching into "Honey", the angry song from the new album, delivered with some venom

"You were lying, you were lying next to me", never sounded more real. Visibly out of breath come the end, Danni was clearly giving everything. Dave Banks on guitar brought additional oomph to the overall guitar sound and it set the overall tone for the evening. Changing the mood entirely "I Want You" slower, with a relaxed vibe, Danni's vocals slower and more dreamy on the verses, with a sweet soul tinge on the choruses.

The new album showcases a number of styles, and the band magnificently adapted to each requirement. For "Love Is Letting Go", the percussion was totally sympathetic, the guitar riff running throughout equally in keeping, it all made a perfect backing for Danni to deliver over. Three months on and #TEAMw21 are still as in the dark as regards "attachment styles" but it in no way stopped us from enjoying "The Pendulum", with the band making more of an atmosphere than playing a tune as such, leaving Danni to generate the melodies. With most of side one having been dispatched, it was a dip into the archives for "Beautiful Game", complete with authentic rocking blues guitar, and a walking bass sound while the percussion was provided by brushes.

It was at this point that the band were given a few songs off, leaving Danni to relay her family history via "Under The Neem Plum Tree" before giving a moving introduction, including news of the plans to rename Nashville Airport to Dolly Parton Airport, as part of her tribute to the great lady, which would include Danni's version of "Jolene".

The band would return and for "The Wreckage", the opener to Side 2, where this time they would provide a Fleetwood Mac style atmosphere, gradually ramping up the sound as things progressed with Danni's vocals remaining the overarching main sound. The title track of the new record "Making Moves", would begin with just Danni playing solo to a pin drop quiet Half Moon, on the opening verse, before the band would kick in later on a most moving version.

The arrival of "I'll Carry On" would herald the birth of the Half Moon choir, at least after a few rehearsals anyway, with the band making a good fist of providing the other required additional vocals.

The final song of the main set was the slow soulful blues of "Hear Your Voice", a true five star way to close out any show, with Danni at her most perfect, most impressive, singing "I want to hear your voice" on this vocal extravaganza.

The encores would start with the hypnotic beauty of "Ancient Embers" leaving "A Little Redemption" to close the night out. It feels like Danni's pleas not to have to sing the song any more progressively falls on deaf ears, and in 2026 it feels like we need it more than ever.

A most splendid night at the new Half Moon, where the changes are subtle at first glance but in terms of lighting and sound became ever more evident as the evening progressed