Tove Lo at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Tove Lo at Shepherd’s Bush Empire | Live review

18^th March 2017

18 March 2017

She may be from Sweden, but Tove Lo put on a fiery show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire to finish off her Lady Wood Tour. The singer-songwriter rose to fame in 2014 when her debut album Queen of the Clouds peaked the charts. She has since released her second record, Lady Wood, and has collaborated with numerous big names in the pop music industry.

Emerging from the darkness in grey sweatpants and a tied up band T-shirt, Tove Lo screamed grunge. Opening up with True Disaster from her latest release, she instantly captivated the packed room. Swinging her blonde locks back and forth to the beat of the heart-stopping drums, and dancing around every corner of the stage, her carefree attitude spread like fire. It didn’t take long before the audience was a sea of moving bodies, as album-titled Lady Wood and club track Influence came on. The singer’s flawless hip swinging, powerful hand gestures and charismatic dancing were infatuating, and the crowd couldn’t help but shake things up too, even in their balcony seats.

Constantly switching between thumping electronic tunes like Talking Body and heart-wrenching pop ballads such as Moments, the Grammy nominee belted out every word with the utmost vivacity. Although often auto-tuned, her raw voice melted beautifully into the melange of synths, drums and good vibes. Donning long hair, “hipster” street wear and glitter on their faces, her band members exhibited the same level of grime.

Known for her racy performances, Tove Lo definitely didn’t disappoint. The 29-year-old swapped her casual look for a shiny bodysuit and ripped tights for the last part of her show. Illuminated by the dazzling lights, she looked like a goddess. Graceful hip swaying to provocative hand motions, the artist was very in touch with herself (literally). Confident, risqué and energetic, she was the definition of a vigorous woman. Or perhaps a Cool Girl – a fan favourite and hit single off Lady Wood. Stuck in a trance of electro-pop vibrations, the crowd felt as though they were dancing the night away in an underground Berlin club. The much-anticipated Habits (Stay High) wrapped up the gig. Looking like a disco ball in a sequined silver jacket, Tove Lo danced and chanted along with Shepherd’s Bush Empire’s roaring singing, as a smile stretched across her glittery face.

★★★★★

Naomi Schanen
Photos: Nick Bennett

For further information about Tove Lo and future events visit here.