Thanasi Kastritis

Mere Magic: Marina & The Diamonds

11/4/2015 – House of Blues

As Stevie Wonder once said, “Isn’t she lovely?

Dressed in shining red and silver akin to a flaming phoenix, Welsh-Greek pop superstar Marina Diamantis of Marina and the Diamonds captured the hearts of the audience during her sold out show at the House of Blues.

“Boston! How ‘ah you doin tonight?!” she asked in a Welsh accent. “Thank you so much for being a part of this show. It’s nice to be greeted by a warm audience, and you always have been, so thank you!” Her show was split into three acts, representing her three studio albums in the order they were released: Family Jewels, Electra Heart, and Froot. Every time she began a new song the audience would erupt in cheers, singing along so loudly that at times they drowned out Marina’s voice. Songs like “Primadonna” and “How To Be a Heartbreaker” generated massive cheers and a push towards the security gate, causing nearby security staff to flinch and move in towards the stage.

Her moves were a slow and ninja-esque hybrid of a warrior’s dance mixed with musical tai-chi. Every flick of her hip was hypnotizing, every spin on her heels alluring. Her sultry yet classy nature with her beautiful, ethereal voice made it almost impossible to take your eyes off of her.

Marina pulled and tilted the mic stand like the rock stars of yore, boogying and dancing with her nimble partner. Her charismatic smile lit up the room and she made eye contact with every corner of the venue, not just the screaming fans in the pit near the stage.  She switched from passionate to nostalgic in an instant, laughing and smiling one second, then frowning with furrowed eyebrows the next. You could see the emotion of every single song on her face, and even better, you could hear it in her voice. Nobody likes a robot, and in accordance with her song, Marina proved that she was in fact very alive and full of fire.

Twisting and dancing on stage while coyly shaking her beautiful figure, Marina proved that she’s one of the rare artists that sounds just as good live as in a recording. A large part of her success is rooted in her vocal versatility, and she showcased that impeccable talent flawlessly. Her voice could rumble in the sweet, low style of Lana Del Rey, perfect for a somber adagio of ballads, or it could suddenly erupt into the crisp, high tone of joy and elation. Her soothing “ooh’s” and “aah’s” rivaled those of Sarah Brightman, proof that her physical appeal is just as strong as her auditory appeal. For anyone looking to do a remake of the Phantom of the Opera, here is your Christine Daaé.