Calvi is known for her intense guitar playing and seductive live performance. She has said that she tries to create the sounds of other instruments through her guitar. Visually, Calvi nods to the world of flamenco in her stage outfits. However, rather than wearing the traditional frilly dress, she opts for the high trousers and blouse of a male dancer.

Following her album release show at Hoxton Hall in London, Calvi won over critics with her "performance of superb self-possession and dramatic timing. The Independent called her a "strumming seductress" who was "born to be heard in person" playing "with every ounce of passion."

Anna Calvi's European tour started in February 2011. She first visited the USA in March. Calvi's show at Le Trianon in Paris on 22 April was broadcast live on the website of ARTE. She headlined the NME tour in May. Calvi was chosen by Ray Davies of The Kinks to co-headline the Meltdown Festival 2011. Calvi continued touring Europe throughout Autumn 2011 which was filmed and released as a 2 part series called "Somewhere Along The Line". Calvi's Shepherds Bush Empire show sold out weeks in advance.