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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Royal Albert Home: Martha Wainwright

June 24, 2020
Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College Rd, Kensington, London SW7 2AP, UK

Martha Wainwright’s debut album, 2005’s Bloody Motherfucking Asshole, proved her as a songwriter—a birthright, perhaps, handed down by parents Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGargile. Like her brother, Rufus, whose fame helped secure Wainwright’s early cult following, she sometimes tends toward twee poetry and melodies. Her greatest moments come when her lyrics are sharpest—“I know you’re married, but I’ve got feelings too”—and her vocals are witchy and emotionally wild. The result is something earnest and wry, totally relatable to listeners. Wainwright performs for Royal Albert Hall’s virtual concert series, and the set includes her latest single, “Wolves,” a duet with Rufus. —C.J.F.