I Blame Coco

Some bands have names that give bloggers/journalists/DJs an irresistible urge to play around with them. Lets see, what can we blame Coco for? The rise in sales of American Apparel’s red shorts? The return of the too-busy-to shampoo hair? Being mistaken for a moody Alexa Chung? But is “cashing in on her fathers fame? ” a fair one of them?

Celebrity spawn has not been particularly favoured or respected in the music world as yet (I blame Peaches) which could prove an uphill struggle for Coco. However, with enthusiastic Churchill-dog nodding from Radio One, bookings for massive festivals and singles tearing through our charts, it appears that this 19yr old is ready for the challenge.The venue choice was a surprise to me, flowerpot is by no means an exaggeration in size, but you get the feeling that Coco wants to keep it raw, gritty and real. She may be young but her small frame carries a haughty demeanor; her de-sexualising threads, fierce stage presence and that confident voice are not to be underestimated. Id wager a substantial amount that we could see Metallica wearing pink flowery Pixie Lott headbands before Coco does.

“Party bag” kicked off the set, her deep voice taking you starkly by surprise (although not an Adam’s apple in sight.. sorry Gaga, that rumour stays firmly put). She even adopts a Gallagher swagger as she sings, one arm tucked behind her back, suggesting that either this girl is born seriously cool or shes been swatting up on her rock n roll. The dark-pop single ‘Caesar‘ came next, sparking the crowd to pulsate to the angst-rock beats. “The lord of the flies all over again” was a suitable lyric of choice when paired with her deep-set features, she is almost feral at times. The electro dance track “Self machine” was next, an infectious chorus and pleasing melody, emitting the knowing smells of a sure pungent hit.

Highlight of the night, was the penultimate “Quicker” with a brilliant Coldplay-esque piano piece, followed by the urgent “Please Rewind”, a song tinged with reggae yet also impregnated with 80s influence.

Already a fashion darling and known on ‘the scene’, she could have easily skipped this intimate gig, but instead she ambushed the Camden stage with a fierce gritty determination to her performance that commands respect kicking and screaming from her most skeptical critics. Being the daughter of Sting, we all know she wasn’t exactly born into the less-affluent lifestyle she chooses to embody, but what is indisputable is that with her distinct androgynous voice and effortlessly cool attitude, we can surely not blame Coco for lack of unbridled passion.

Check out her video for ‘Caesar’: