Live review: Pascuala Ilabaca Y Fauna at Rich Mix London

By Anita Datta

Pascuala and Fauna were greeted with cheers as they took their place on the Wiphala-decked stage at London’s Rich Mix. The audience was vibrant, but fell to perfect silence as Pascuala began to sing, unaccompanied, spinning a beautiful melody so full of emotion it was fit to burst. A master of invoking her audience to feel whatever emotion she wishes them too, Pascuala and Fauna soon broke into a lively and coordinated rendition of her well-known single Mamita, and the party was underway.
Pascuala Ilabaca sings with her whole face, and makes music with her whole body.  Dancing as she plays, her fluid and joyful movements seem to conjure the melodies from the other members of Fauna and radiate the sound that they together make. As a unit, Pascuala and Fauna present a complete performance that is in itself a kind of art form. So slick in their synchronicity, and able to change the mood and style within the space of a beat, they are truly exciting to watch and hear. 
Most impressive of all, however, are the range and virtuosity of Pascuala and Fauna. Perfectly fitting the scene of the London Jazz Festival, of which their performance is a part, solo improvisations expanded upon their known and loved tracks to the delight of the audience. Particularly unique was a fusion of an Indian Classical vocal raga with Chilean beats and musical styles, which remained respectfully faithful to the complicated rules of improvisation upon the raag and bols whilst creating a truly innovative and exhilarating musical experience. Other items showed the clear influence of vintage rock, even death metal and 1980s psychodelica and pop, with on-stage mixing by members of Fauna recreating a studio-polished performance.
Pascuala is an engaging and likeable hostess who captures the heart of the audience with her charm, unique vision and intelligent approach to her art. An all-around performance artist, together she and Fauna create a holistic musical experience that will engage and entertain any concert-goer, and meanwhile make them think differently about the world as well.

Pascuala Ilabaca live at Rich Mix London (18/11/14)