Released when she was just twenty two, her debut album Is Your Love Big Enough? marked the arrival of a promising talent. While the arrangements might have been a little staid, the force of her delivery and bite of her lyrics (‘waste all your time writing love songs/ but you don't love me’) made critics pay attention.
Released this year, Blood sets La Havas’ commanding vocals against a richer sonic backdrop. The album begins with a slow-building vocal crescendo that gives way somewhere near the one-minute mark to a writhing bassline, and rhythmically nimble vocals. Thereafter, the album goes from strength to strength. From the mournful, Radiohead-esque arpeggios of ‘Tokyo’ to the brass-bolstered swagger of ‘Midnight’, La Havas’ voice shines against whatever instrumental backdrop she might choose.
She plays the Royal Albert Hall on March 14.
What | Lianne La Havas, Royal Albert Hall |
Where | Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP | MAP |
Nearest tube | South Kensington (underground) |
When |
On 15 Mar 16, Doors at 18:45, show starts at 19:30 |
Price | £24.94-28 |
Website | Click here to book via the Royal Albert Hall website |