Ida Maria: Islington Academy, London

IDA MARIA IS LIKE A CHILD in charge of a bucking bronco — the bronco being her unique voice. It's an ululating yelp speckled with gravelly grunts, and it pours from the elfin Norwegian's throat as she clings to the mic stand, apparently shocked at what she can do. Remarkable as it is, though, there's more: during this first London headliner, she ricochets off the drum kit, rolls on the floor and sprays a bottle of water at her guitarist, maintaining an astonished expression all the while.