Mabel at Village Undergound

Continuing her Right on Time tour, Mabel combined 2010s classics with her deeply personal and emotionally raw new chapter. Promoting her self-titled mixtape, this intimate gig reflected on her decade of performing. As the show merged her most popular hits with the honest vulnerability of her new album, the night was an introspective, nostalgia-filled dance party.

Playing Village Underground for the first time in 11 years, the concert was something of a homecoming for Mabel. This was equally reflected by her tour visuals, depicting London streets. Opening with Finders Keepers, by All Over You, not a single person was stationary. Stay still, and be bored. Mabel made the most out of the space – the stage was set up to look like a cosy living room, mimicking a house party. Fans were close to the stage and passed gifts as Mabel sang straight into phone cameras.

To break up the set and create a conversational atmosphere, the music was punctuated by heartfelt speeches to the crowd of long-time fans. She explained the history of each track and why sharing these songs was so important to her. With her most emotive numbers dedicated to those nearest to her, Mabel clearly poured her heart and soul into Love Me Gentle and OK (Anxiety Anthem). Tour namesake Right on Time was met with lively applause, whilst Vitamins closed the show with cheers and calls for “one more song”. 

There was something of a disconnect between her dance anthems and her emotional heavy hitters. However, as her self-titled mixtape is such a departure from her previous work, perhaps this disconnect was not entirely unexpected. The performance was fun and passionate, and signposted Mabel’s new creative direction.

Sofia Hamandi
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events, visit Mabel’s website here.

Watch the video for All Over You here: