Mika pumps energetic Glam Rock into Den Atelier

By Josh Oudendijk

The world-renowned French-British star returned to a sold out Den Atelier this Friday with his fresh “Heaven” tour to promote his recent album release “No Place in Heaven”.

Mika's buzzing lights and sound, which could just as much have been an LSD-pumped dream, fuelled up all different generations inside Hollerich's venue.

When Mika first hit the music scene in 2007 with his single "Grace Kelly", people weren't quite sure what to make of him. His sounds were playful, seductive and glossy. Yet with a voice like a bomb and huge stage presence and confidence, Mika combines dance and acting with pop music, showing us he deserves a place at the top of the industry.

While some see Mika’s music as immature, believing it floats in the direction of commercial bubblegum pop, you can’t question the fact he knows how to transmit energy and passion for his music to the audience. He has not failed to blow us away with hit after hit, year after year.

DJ Tollek opened up before the show, confirming to music-mix connoisseurs he is comfortably able to play big hits and make the audience pumped before the show began. In fact, the public was so ready that even the roadies and sound technicians tuning instruments received a huge load of screams.

The crowd, of whose ladies sneakily came to see their secret love, jumped up and down, waved and sung in unison to Mika's powerful, driving hits. It was time to feel young again.

Then, it seemed like he had a mobile closet behind the bassist, frequently changing costumes ranging from a boxing glove thrown from the front line, a king’s crown, a leather '60s coat and glitter jackets.

"Atelier, nous sommes petite, mais nous dansons!" he shouted. With "Boum Boum Boum" he wiggled his butt left and right, causing some serious madness amongst the crowds.

"Good Guys" sounded like a floaty dream with backing vocals and "Relax, Take It Easy" achieved a huge sing along. One person commented that he’s the reincarnation of Freddy Mercury. His voice is incredible.

Mika’s range is something to be jealous of, as he can go almost three and a half to four octaves. Mika’s lyrics are intelligent. If you listen carefully you realise all his songs have a story to tell. He makes up fictional characters, talks about relationships and love.

Besides singing, he also conducts his band with his hands. But it is important to have grown up with him in recent years and know which songs to expect, otherwise some may argue they find the concert a little monotonous.

Mika's singing lessons as a young boy with his strict Russian teacher have paid off. His voice is huge. But it will take time for some to get used to his style of music. Mika is different. But I think different’s good.

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