Marina & the Diamonds Sparkle in NYC

Big voice, big hair, and a bagful of songs you catch yourself humming absently are just the beginning. Welsh export Marina & the Diamonds and a whole venue full of fans wiled away one of the last days of summer with an hour-long set filled with all the favorites.

Marina, retro in hot pink, glow-in-the-dark lipstick and sky-high heels, started the show on a low note with "The Outsider," but the quickly picked the pace up with the cheeky "Girls." She posed, she shook hands and accepted little gifts, and the crowd loved it. "I Am Not A Robot" vied for loudest cheer with "Oh No!" as Marina ran circles around the musical scales. A beautiful solo rendition of "Numb" on keyboards followed as the backdrop twinkled with artificial stars. Nothing like a power ballad to level out the night.

After a musical interlude and the first costume change of the night -- a velvet sheath dress was exchanged for a vintage cheerleading jacket and a plush hamburger perched on the palm of each hand -- with a wink and strut Marina sang "Hollywood" and tossed a burger over each shoulder. Pipes and theatricality are a winning combination. In honor of her newest single "Shampain," Marina conducted a bit of a chorus sing-along, which the fans -- pardon us -- "diamonds" were only too glad to pick up.

For the encore Marina stepped out in pants that were undoubtedly salvaged from a thrift store; the giant rose pattern was reminiscent of kitchen curtains. At least "Mowgli's Road," a great choice for a parting song, was made for dancing. And, questionable wardrobe choices aside, it was a very satisfying night.

--OLGA BAS

Previously >Catching Up With Robyn