To say I was majorly psyched to finally witness the most intense Norwegian punk-wonder, Ida Maria, live is a vastly gross understatement. I've been overwhelmingly crushing on her album, Fortress Round My Heart, for quite a bit of months now, and thankfully, the time had come to see if the fuss was worth the muss, live and in splendid technicolor.


First off, Bell House is a trek and a half to get to. And while the venue is rather sweet, there are few artists I'd make that journey for. Ida Maria, obviously, is one such gem.

Whilst we waited through an "eh" opening band comprised of a ragtag crew of characters, the anticipation was building. And no sooner did such cast of ragamuffins exit the stage, did the room immediately fill up with anxious audience members. Securing a spot directly underneath stage center was not an option, it was the ONLY way.


Beginning with the crowd pleaser, Morning Light, Ida commanded the stage and immediately captured the hearts of all those around our crew, with her witty banter and mentions of "this is a song about fucking love...and it's in the same damn chord as the last 3 songs..."

Maria's undeniable charm and talent was evidenced throughout a setlist that included all but 3 of her songs from the album, and included a rousing encore of We Are All Going to Hell. There was no doubt that fan favorites Oh My God, Queen of the World and I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked would bring the crowdgoers to shriek along with the songstress with all inhibitions thrown by the wayside.





If it's a pure rock show you want to be a part of, then there is no one who does it better than Ida Maria. Highly suggested you make all efforts to see her live as soon as your little bodies allow.

mp3: Ida Maria - Small Peoples Smiles