KT Tunstall at the Islington Assembly Hall

It has been just over a decade since Kate Victoria Tunstall (aka KT Tunstall) first came to the public eye with a public solo performance of her song Black Horse and the Cherry Tree on the BBC music show Later… with Jools Holland. Now, after four albums and numerous awards, she is back. Following the recent release of her new album Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon she performed a sell-out show at the Islington Assembly Hall.

The first thing you notice when Tunstall steps on stage is her conversation with the audience. She plays and jokes with them during the show, making it seem like a more personal encounter. In this day and age, where more and more artists are deciding to just play through their set with as little interaction as possible, Tunstall is a symbol of how intimate gigs should be. She has always been known to hold a good rapport with her fans and she proves it here.

Then she starts to sing: soon to be 38, her voice is just as youthful and powerful as it was ten years ago. For example, her performances of Other Side of the World and Suddenly I See are both as impressive as when they were first released. If anything, time has improved her contralto vocals. Even though her new material focuses more on a country folk sound, she still knows how to pack a punch.

However, with the big hits aside, it is surprisingly when she slows down that Tunstall is at her best. Her recent single Feel It All shows her ability as a lyricist as well as a performer, and her gentle voice is the most evocative it has ever been. This is the case for most of the other pickings from Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon.

This show has put Tunstall into a new light: it has proven that even after a decade in the business she is not ready to throw in the towel. And if tonight is anything to go by, there is no reason why she should for a long time yet. 

Verdict: ★★★★★

James Alder

Photos: Chiara Ceccaioni

For further information about KT Tunstall and future events visit here.

Watch the music video for Feel It All here: