I Blame Coco
It is the first night of the tour for I Blame Coco, a new disco house/punk/pop band from London, fronted by Coco Sumner, the teenage daughter of Sting and Trudie Styler. On a small stage at The Oakford Social Club in Reading, there is a buzzing atmosphere, where a dishevelled yet imposing Coco stands. At only nineteen but with an appearance of a fifteen year old with attitude, in her signature black doc martins and short white shorts, she stands with an obvious vulnerability. Yet Coco's face is one of steely determination; tonight she is ready to fight for her musical respect.
Starting with an instantly catchy song "Party Bag" Coco begins to show off her uniquely low voice but with all the favourable tones and expression of Sting. I could go on and compare Coco directly with her famous father but it wouldn't be serving her justice. Here is an artist that even without her famous father and his helpful musical links would no doubt be creating the same musical stir and interest she is starting to command. By the third song "Self Machine", she has really begun to warm up and so have the crowd. A few keen teenagers edge to the front for a dance, wistfully looking up at Coco, wanting to be noticed, wanting to be a part of the cool image that Coco so easily oozes.
The sound of the band is infectious punk/pop cushioned by a bed of electronic hooks and beats. This electronic colouring keeps a consistent even repetitive flow throughout, but is bang on with the current trend of other emerging artists such as Mike Snow, Daisy Dares You and Ellie Goulding. The latter two artists have much higher voices than Coco, but this only works in her favour setting her apart from the rest and giving her a strong distinctiveness in a competitive cut throat market. When performing their seventh and final song of the night, Caesar, it is instantly the standout number. Caesar is a killer track with thought provoking lyrics referencing to William Goldings powerful yet unsettling book Lord of the Flies and features the vocal talents of the Swedish quirky pop songstress Robyn. It is the obvious single and already in the enviable position of being on Radio 1's playlist.
Getting a chance to have a quick chat with Coco after she had performed, I asked how she felt about the night, humbly admitting her nerves but also how fantastic it was and what a great crowd (she had obviously let slide the couple of shouts for Roxanne I heard earlier!). The 1970's band Talking Heads is who she references as inspiration before being swiftly ushered away by one of her band members, where they mingle by the bar before heading to a side room.
After seeing and hearing I Blame Coco on the first night of their tour, I would say they are definitely worth some ear time, and will no doubt be converting listeners of intrigue into genuine fans with songs like Caesar, No Smile and Self Machine. As for Coco Sumner herself, she is here to stay. Already counting the talented yet troubled Pete Doherty as a fan and friend since hearing her earlier but incredibly beautiful song Bohemian Love, Coco has proven she is not just a daughter of a famous singer but a singer/songwriter worthy of fame. As long as Island Records allows her the time to find her feet musically there are no limits to where she could go.
By Charlotte Heron
The single Caesar is out now.
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