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Lights at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen

Lights at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen | Live review

In artsy Shoreditch at the Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen, Canadian electro-pop act Lights wowed with a fantastic, energetic performance.

Through a crowded bar, there was standing room only at the venue, which recalled CBGB’s in NYC: a perfect locale for this sultry act. The music opened with a heavy war-drum beat and pulsating strobe lights in Fourth Dimension, and Lights’ incredible vocals soared. The singer was accompanied by an impressive drummer, a guitarist and a keyboardist (also providing backup vocals), all equally skilled. The band created an electric party vibe and an atmosphere of excitement. The sound was a combination of electro-pop and soulful acoustic guitar on ballads such as Pretend; the set included songs such as Peace Sign, Siberia, Toes, Savior, and Drive My Soul.

Lights is highly talented with a remarkably powerful, passionate voice and a friendly, charismatic persona. Though she admitted she was tired after performing on a ship for a few days, her energetic performance would never have betrayed it. On tour with devoted fans who have followed her throughout, Lights warmly interacted with a very enthusiastic audience, chatting and encouraging participation and asking for requests with comments like “We’re not doing karaoke night, but what would you like to hear?”

The fans’ love for Lights is palpable, and when they sang along it sounded more like an enraptured, heavenly chorus than a rambunctious gathering.  Lights’ highly danceable music had the crowd screaming, and her beautifully haunting slow ballads showcased her tremendous and moving vocal power. Her performance was glowing, heartfelt and superb. One can understand the devotion of her fans. The experience was truly inspiring.

Catherine Sedgwick
Photo: Katie Frost

For further information about Lights and future events visit here.

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Filippo L'Astorina, the Editor