Beauty And The Beast

posted in: Artist Features

The dichotomy of an artist on and offstage is an interesting thing. A performer might be austere onstage, but a total sailor once the mic is turned off. We’re betting Joanna Erdos of The Midnight Show is far sweeter in person than her lyrics might lead you to believe. On Hearts Explode, she cautions, I’m sick of being patient; I’m ready to attack through a torchy, diaphanous arrangement of strings, keys and percussion. Despite the warning, her secretive, romantic music has likely already drawn you in. Go Team is a more whimsical romp”twitchy and blithe despite cutting lyrics like, You loser; you faker. With a voice that’s part Natalie Merchant, part Annie Clark, Erdos delivers her verbal jabs in the gentlest way. On the ambitious and elegant I’m Not the Only One, her voice cascades over the lines I want to rip you apart; I want to tear out your heart with not a shred of menace. Beauty can be a dangerous weapon, and Erdos wields hers like a winner.