Holly Macve at The Lexington

Holly Macve

Aimee Fatale

The Lexington, 8 March 2025

It's been eight years since I've seen Holly Macve live, and she has fully abandoned her country stylings to go the Lana Del Rey route of dark, atmospheric pop. She is still lovely but this was a very different show than the acoustic folky vibes of the St. John show I saw all those years ago.

Holly Macve at St John On Bethnal Green

Holly Macve
Will Stratton
St John On Bethnal Green, 6 April 2017

I've never actually been to St John On Bethnal Green before but this is my fifth church, at least, I've been to in London for a gig. It makes sense to make use of them in this way, the concerts must provide a much needed stream of revenue for the churches plus the sound and the atmosphere is always fantastic especially for acoustic shows. Of the ones I've been to, St John has to be the least impressive and definitely the gloomiest of them all, something not helped by the drab and slightly creepy grey paintings of the crucifixion behind the altar and around the church. It is quite a contrast to the beautiful stained glass and warm feeling of the Union Chapel but once seated in my pew at the front there was a nicely intimate atmosphere as support act Will Stratton took to the altar-turned-stage.