Live
Kelela: at Here at Outernet, London 7/4/23
2023 has already given us a decent selection of new music. Perhaps one of the biggest highlights so far has been Kelela's brilliant "Raven" album, which has been on rotation for the last few weeks. Her 2017 LP "Take Me Apart" was a benchmark in futuristic R&B, and the new record lives up to the huge weight of expectation on her shoulders.
It was no great surprise, then, that her London show sold out weeks in advance, and Here at Outernet was packed well in advance of her 9pm arrival.
The Washington DC singer is a force of nature whose music impressively draws in elements of classic neo-soul via drum'n'bass and house.
When she did emerge onstage immersed in dramatic red lighting, the 39-year-old was in no mood to play, delivering a high-octane set showcasing one of the most exciting talents on the scene.
Kelela opened with "Washed Away", while recent single "Happy Ending" was met with a huge roar from the audience. Equally well received was the superb "Contact", one of the highlights of the new album.
With no musicians onstage, it needed a big stage presence to make it work, and there are few artists who can match Kelela's fierce energy and flamboyance. "Rewind" and "Raven" were both impeccable and showed why she's got such a strong reputation as a performer. With confidence and sensuality, she kept the whole crowd from the front to the back of the room engaged throughout. The set closed with a powerful version of "All The Way Down" that retained all its raw emotion from the studio.
The intimate setting was a good spot to showcase her unique style, but it'll be no surprise to see her selling out far bigger venues in the future.
PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke
