British and German singer-songwriter, musician, political journalist, poet, activist, Annika Henderson aka Anika, released her self titled debut album in 2010 produced by Geoff Barrow of Portishead. Then formed the band, Exploded View, who released two albums on Sacred Bones Records between 2016 – 2018. By 2021 Anika was back under her own name with the full length release, Change. Now on tour for the album, Abyss, released earlier this year, Anika played to a packed house in NYC at le Poisson Rouge last Thursday evening.
Backed by guitar, drums, and various electronics, Anika and her band got going with an Exploded View number, “Lost Illusions,” followed by several songs off of Abyss including the first single from “Hearsay” with its thought provoking lyrics “And you’re making up stories to push your narrative. You’re making up stories to be provocative.” “Honey,” a song about dealing with an ex-partner, the rocking “One Way Ticket,” and the dreamy “Buttercups” were also featured.
At one point Anika came off the stage and the crowd parted to allow her access to the floor. Where she made her way back and forth through the crowd singing directly to various audience members. Anika also gave a shout out to women’s and Trans rights as well as for ending the wars in Palestine and the Ukrainian. Rounding out the set was Anika’s cover of Yoko Ono’s “Yang Yang” Anika introduced the song by saying “I think we all need a little more Yoko in our lives. She was always a great advocate for women and the peace movement.” For the encore Anika ditched her jacket and strapped on a guitar for a soothing rendition of The Kinks’ classic, also expertly covered by The Pretenders, “I Go To Sleep,” wishing all well and sending the mesmerized crowd off into the New York night.
For more info about Anika as well as upcoming tour dates visit anika-music.com.
Photo credit: Phillip Backhouse
YT video “Hearsay” – Anika:
