Imogen & The Knife @ Lending Room, Leeds - 27th May 2026
- Huw Williams
- Jun 7
- 3 min read
Imogen And The Knife transformed the already intimate Lending Room in Leeds into something far more than its modest size already suggests. With her band, she delivered a performance of accomplished storytelling, musical detail and genuine connection.
Words and Photos - Huw Williams
Her band took the stage and the music settled into a jazz-flecked groove, as Imogen emerged to warm applause, accompanied by the soothing tones of a saxophone. It was an introduction that perfectly reflected what was to come: thoughtful, carefully constructed and quietly captivating.
Opening with ‘I Wish I Were You’, Imogen quickly establishes that her songs are built on strong narratives, delivered with conviction that connects well with the young crowd. That was particularly evident on ‘Red (Is My Colour)’, one of her most popular tracks online. Live, her voice rises confidently above the arrangement and demonstrates both power and feeling.
Proudly representing the North East, Imogen introduced ‘If It Won’t Talk of Rain’ as a song rooted in Newcastle and the experience of trying to forge a creative path against the backdrop of the city’s traditions. It proved one of the evening’s standout moments. The song captures a landscape coloured by greyness and struggle, while simultaneously finding beauty within it. Poetic but not pretentious, it felt personal while offering enough for the crowd to find their own meaning within.
‘Girl (Running)’, ‘The World Over’ and ‘It’s Not Just Love, It’s The Telling Of’ maintained the momentum, showcasing that skilful storytelling time and again.
A particularly affecting moment arrived with ‘Paris Night’, dedicated to Imogen’s sister and, by extension, anyone who has experienced the unique bond of siblings. This time, Imogen is at the piano and in a beautiful arrangement, the song leaned further into the jazz influences that threaded throughout the set. The trumpet was given room to shine, adding warmth and colour, while the audience joined in with an intimacy that made the room feel even smaller.
Several songs from her recent EP were presented in refreshed arrangements, including ‘Used To Beauty’. The addition of the horn section brought an entirely new dimension to the material. Here, subtle brass textures created an almost foreboding atmosphere, enhancing the song’s theatrical quality.
‘Horses’ saw her pick up an electric guitar, jokingly noting that it was something she rarely does live and “could all the guitar players turn and face the back!”. The guitar part itself remained simple, but its restraint served the song well, providing the backbone for the rest of the band. Once again, the baritone saxophone added depth and richness, particularly during the song’s closing moment.
The emotional peak arrived with ‘Bloodbag’, written to cope with the feelings of a long period of surgery. The song’s repetitive piano figure mirrored the exhausting grind of recovery, gradually building in intensity before culminating in a cathartic scream that releases all of anxiety and frustration. It was a striking piece of sonic storytelling.
Closing with ‘Some Kind Of Love’, Imogen saved some of her most commanding vocals for last, bringing the evening to an emphatic conclusion. Afterwards, she stuck around to meet fans, signing and posing for photographs, extending the sense of community that had defined the performance.
In a venue perfectly suited to her strengths, Imogen And The Knife delivered a set full of warmth, honesty and musical sophistication, leaving an audience that felt not just entertained, but genuinely included.
