Regina Spektor @Shepherds Bush Empire

Russian-born New Yorker Regina Spektor dazzled at the Empire with her unique songwriting, musical creavity and a deceptively delicate voice. The classically trained pianist displayed an inventive breadth of tricks that included beatboxing, creating percussive effects out of the microphone and banging a drum stick on a chair. These flourishes, interspersed with rumbling basslines emanating from the depths of the grand piano, added to her quirky edginess - complementing a lyrical depth that is simultaneously astute and humourous.

The pin-drop intimacy of the music belied the grand venue, but was lapped up by an enthusiastic and attentive crowd. This was particularly evident during the ethereal encore of 'Us' and 'Samson'... which at times was impossibly spine-tingling. The popular 'Fidelity' and the rousing 'On The Radio' also illicited joyous reactions from the crowd. I must admit that I went into this gig knowing that Spektor could offer moments of musical genius, but unsure whether their sparseness could carry such a big show. My tingled spine couldn't be any more convinced now. Enchanting stuff.