On the 10th of February, Ella Eyre, with support from Bow Anderson, played the final night of her nationwide tour at London's O2 Forum Kentish Town. Built-in the 1930s, the former art deco cinema is adorned from top to bottom with timeless and opulent décor. Situated at the back of the stage was a white staircase that led to a platform. Outlining the outer edges were four pillars that would soon fill the venue with the colours of the rainbow.

To open the show, Bow Anderson made her way onto the stage dressed all in green and waving to the crowd, who all wore smiles brighter than the spotlights. Bow opened her lively and vivid set with a song by the name of 'island.' The empowering post-breakup track has a stand-out retro feel which differentiates Bow sonically from other pop artists and her immediate confidence and presence on stage were mesmerising.

The next song was Bow's honest latest single, '20s', which flawlessly tells the tale of the trials and tribulations of being in your 20s in the twenty-first century. The track was upbeat with a relatable and raw lyricism that resonated with the audience.

Her set also featured a stripped-back cover of the classic 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' by Tears for Fears. With minimal backing, it elevated the power of her spectacular voice. After posing for a photograph with the audience, Bow performed her final song titled 'Sweater,' an ode to healing a broken heart with a sound that nods to R&B, soul, and Motown.

From the first second Ella Eyre stepped foot onto the stage in a transparent white coat, graffiti patterned two-piece and long braids that cascaded down her back, it was evident just how sensational the show would be. As Ella began to sing the opening track and well-loved pop hit 'Answerphone,' she bounced and danced across the stage, evidently beyond delighted to be back playing a hometown show three years in the making.

It was a joy to watch her performance and it was clear the crowd shared the same feeling from the way the venue transformed swiftly into a dance floor. The lights that illuminated the stage were as bright and colourful as the aura surrounding Ella and her band behind her. To continue the feel-good energy, the fifth song of the set was the high in dynamism and positivity, 'Good Times.' With heavy bass and synth, it makes for the perfect summery drum and bass track to dance to.

Between songs Ella had a way with words that was drenched with self-confidence, which only added to her remarkably enchanting and strong stage presence. She is undoubtedly one born for the stage. Another example of a drum and bass record performed was 'Waiting All Night': a collaboration with Rudimental. With the yellow and orange lighting illuminating the venue like the sun, the crowd danced and jumped along with Ella to the song's beat. The track was so full of life, making the show feel just like a party: the energy that orbited the room was unmatched.

The next song was a gentler track, allowing Ella and the crowd to catch their breath. Fan favourite 'New Me' was written about a person she no longer cares for, but at the period of the song's creation, Ella was grateful for the time they spent together. Both the stage lighting and the light admitted from the sea of phones swaying in the air imitated the feeling of candlelight. Paired with Ella's beautiful vocals, a room full of goosebumps and spine shivers was formed. Another song played had been given a whole due meaning courtesy of the coronavirus pandemic. As Ella and the audience sang the lyrics of 'Together' such as "You know that we are better off as two" and "we are more together," it was difficult to stop the tears from falling. The song was sung beautifully on top of the podium, illumined by a pink spotlight.

Along with the encore came the chanting from the crowd for one last song. As Ella reappeared on the stage, we were blessed with two. The first was ‘Clothes Off,’ an important anthem about respect, consent, and loving relationships. The show was closed with funky sing-along hit 'Just Got Paid,' a song dedicated to the party-goers. The high energy and connection that flowed through the entirety of the set certainly created a party-like atmosphere. The audience were left catching their breath from dancing and smiles plastered over their faces.

ELLA EYRE: LONDON UK - 10.02.22