Books down! Etta Marcus takes the stage with a spellbinding performance.

By Emma Cammies and Megan Holmes

Opening her set at Hyde Park Book Club with Girls are God’s Machines, Etta encapsulated the audience in its entirety with the songs powerful opening, producing godly music with her own hands and unique voice. Supported by a live band, she built an environment of alternative rock, reflecting inspiration from artists such as Mazzy Star, devouring the music scene and emphasising the tour she is currently on, with a combination of old and new music. 

During her set, she expressed her delight at being able to perform live again, central to the last time she performed at this venue in 2023; pointing out a fan wearing a ‘I heart Etta Marcus’ t-shirt to fill the between-song chat. Her presence at the merch stand further displayed her gratitude to the audience, aiming to get a glimpse into the lives of her fans. This audience involvement created an inviting atmosphere mirroring the cosy feeling emulated by the venue. 

Some notable moments from her hypnotising performance included the feature of her new EP ‘Slaughterhouse’, out on Halloween, displaying a sense of her personality and love for this season. Also mirroring this later, as she killed the stage with her song Death grips, the control of the vocal instrumental further establishing the spectacularity of the performance. Embracing her emotions and the true meaning of the song, the anger and frustration from her teenage years and first relationship are executed professionally.  The grief she felt as a teenager, was opposed through her confidence and the way she held the stage, a factor being noticed by everyone who attended. She closed her bewitching set with Teenage Messiah, the raw, deep lyrics reflecting an anger of the political kind at a lot of society’s problems being left to younger generations, contrasting with her angelic vocals. The deeper meaning behind many of her songs builds a connection with the audience, apparent through her loyal fanbase. 

It's clear to say that Etta Marcus has gained two new fans after this performance, our positive views of her presence and music, shared by other members of the audience.

Together we say ‘I heart Etta Marcus’.