Tuesday 20/02/07 Regina Spektor @ The Leadmill, Sheffield

After seven months and two rescheduled dates it seemed a curse was forming around Regina Spektor and Sheffield, so it came as no surprise that tonight's audience are a little fidgety as the clock passes the prearranged performance time. So much so that as Regina walks onstage you can almost hear the audience's collective sigh as she meekly begins to sing, with only a microphone for company.
 
It's in this minute that Regina Spektor shows her immediate raw talent. While current female music is fronted by the Lily Allen's and Joss Stone's of the world, it’s hard to understand how Spektor has gone unnoticed for so long, as her voice shines unaccompanied like no other.
 
Then as she moves towards the large grand piano filling the majority of the stage and begins to play its Spektor's understated music which makes her unique. As she plays material spanning from her four full length releases she represents the best in female talent. As she hits a drum while playing piano during 'Poor Little Rich Boy' her voice is strong yet subtle as she jokes with the crowd. One pleasant surprise is how relaxed Spektor is as she purposely slows and quickens songs to create a reaction from the audience. Despite holding this concert off for so long, Spektor might actually be enjoying herself tonight, that is until camera phones begin to annoy as she exclaims "Look if I do some action shots now can you stop taking photos? Sorry I get easily distracted," while smiling sweetly through gritted teeth.