Anna of the North at Islington Assembly Hall

Anna of the North is unapologetically stepping back into the limelight following her track Lovers going viral last year – seven years after its initial release. With big plans on the horizon, the Norwegian dreamy-pop artist kicked off her European tour on Thursday evening with a confident opening show at London’s Islington Assembly Hall.

The night unfolded as a theatrical spectacle, complete with clever stage-backdrop graphics and thoughtfully designed lighting that shifted to match the mood of each track. Voice recordings introduced select songs, accompanied by heartfelt messages displayed on screen, including reflections such as, “Music helped me through many tough times.”

Saving her most recognisable track, Lovers, for the finale, Lotterud gave die-hard fans plenty to revel in with older favourites like No One Knows You Better and Call Me. Her infectious, bouncy energy ignited the venue as she danced across the stage with her bandmates, drawing the crowd in through call-and-response moments, particularly during Leaning On Myself.

Lotterud took time to connect with her roots by performing two Norwegian songs and encouraging fellow Norwegians in the audience to sing along. She reflected that she had never performed in her native language live before and expressed excitement about incorporating this into the next phase of her sound – a refreshing and intimate moment that brought fans closer to her evolving artistry.

The standout moment of the night came with Nobody, featuring a breathtaking electric guitar solo that shook the room and sent fans berserk. The pure joy shared between the artist and her band was unmistakable, as attendees jumped along with arms raised high.

Anna of the North has launched her European tour with nothing short of excellence, capturing the carefree energy and emotional drive that define her music. As she continues to grow and gain new fans along the way, this certainly won’t be the last we hear of her.