Cleo Sol is visibly comfortable, swiftly disposing of some large hoop earrings during opener Young Love. This is her first headline show in London, a surprising fact given she has already released two critically acclaimed albums, Rose in the Dark and Mother, along with her work as a vocalist with Mercury prize-nominated avant-soul outfit Sault – and also surprising given that she turns out to be such a natural live performer.
Leading a choreographed sway during this opening song, Sol is casual and affable, as if she knows everyone there personally, and brings a high level of warmth to the sold-out, three-floor venue. At times the opulent space actually feels too small, the smooth band and backing vocalists sometimes competing with a zealous crowd. Sol could easily have full command of a much bigger venue, yet the almost familial nature of the show, enhanced by her frequent welfare check-ins with fans, may well be lost somewhere more sizeable. “The more singing, the better,” Sol announces, and the crowd obliges, seamlessly reciting Rose in the Dark’s healing ode to introspection, and the lovers rock-infused Shine, the latter aided by a guest appearance from Grammy-nominated Jamaican artist Chronixx, met with amazement by an already amped-up crowd.
In all the excitement, it’s sensible to have some respite, and Sol rightly dedicates a portion of the show to her more gentle repertoire. Amid the dip in energy, Don’t Let Me Fall and Know That You Are Loved are the most sobering songs of the night, with Sol pausing to gather her emotions. The crowd, now well versed in their new role as additional backing singers, deftly fill in vocals during her moments of pause.
A surprise appearance from frequent collaborator Little Simz receives a thunderous reception, and the lush grooves of Woman understandably fall victim to the now loudly giddy crowd. Momentum is maintained for Sol’s closer: the usually breezy Why Don’t You is given a robust flow that reflects the palpable energy in the room. Ethereal of voice yet immediate and cathartic, Cleo Sol demonstrates that intimacy can encompass an entire community.
