Lucy Rose at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Lucy Rose has come a long way since being the female voice that accompanied Jack Steadman on the last two Bombay Bicycle Club records. She has now made a name for herself and released her first solo album Like I Used To late last year, which peaked at number thirteen in the UK Albums Chart.

Last night, a packed out Shepherd’s Bush Empire got the chance to see the songstress expose her talents on the London leg of her UK tour. As her fans mumbled to one another in anticipation, the lights dimmed before the Surrey-born singer appeared. Emerging on her own, to the epic soundtrack of Pink Floyd’s The Great Gig in the Sky, she took centre stage on a mounted seat, with only her guitar to comfort her.

The diminutive figure wasted no time and kicked straight into Gamble as the crowd watched in dead silence. Rose’s band soon joined her on stage to perform Place and Watch Over. They are a pretty exciting bunch and include guitarist Björn Sten Ågren (ex-Razorlight), bassist Simba Bhebhe, drummer Sam Nadel and multi-instrumentalist Alex Eichenberger.

Live, the band really helps to bring songs from the Like I Used To LP to life. Rose’s adoring audience were captivated by tracks like Lines, Night Bus, Red Face, and Middle of the Bed. Some of the new material was perhaps more impressive: Sheffield was a gig highlight, exhibiting some interestingly funky grooves and a catchy refrain. By the time the concert reached its penultimate song, the lively Bikes, the spectators were fully in the mood to dance, particularly responding to the line: “Everybody scream out loud.”

The inevitable encore saw Rose reappear to play her most recent single Shiver. An exceptional song-writing talent and a faultless vocalist, her note perfect delivery and mature command over proceedings was delightful to witness – at one point, even inviting those celebrating their birthdays onto the stage to be serenaded. There is something fun about Lucy Rose: she has more bounce in her music than the usual acoustic singer-songwriter. It was an impressive gig and something that should be witnessed with your own eyes and ears.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Samuel Mensah

Photos: Bartek Odias

For further information about Lucy Rose and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Shiver here: