Lianne La Havas, Live At The Academy

It’s less than two months since Londoner Lianne La Havas graced these shores for a sold-out Sugar Club show, and yet a dedicated fanbase has made its way to the Academy tonight, despite the Apocalyptic weather outside.

It’s no surprise really, as the soul-folk chanteuse has been creating quite a buzz since she released her first EP late last year – appearing on that holy grail of music shows, Later… With Jools Holland, as well as featuring on the Beeb’s prestigious ‘Sound of 2012’ list. More than that of course, HP’s Celina Murphy awarded the singer’s ‘Forget’ the prestigious honour of ‘Track of the Fortnight’ way back in January!

Tonight, La Havas performs songs from her forthcoming debut LP – out in July – and it’s clear from the very first note that she’s got that special something. Opening with ‘Liar’, the singer performs with just her guitar, perfectly showcasing that amazing, velvety voice. She’s joined after a couple of tunes by her band, who lend gorgeous four-part harmonies to ‘Age’, leaving her again for an understated solo performance of what she tells us is a “very intimate song”, ‘Tease Me’. Quirky jazz number ‘Age’ (the track she performed on Jools) is a particular highlight, as is the lovely, piano-led ‘Lost & Found’.

After finishing up, La Havas returns for a two-song encore, the delicate ‘Gone’ and the funky, feelgood ‘Is Your Love Big Enough?’, which has this adoring crowd hand-clapping and group-hugging all around the venue. An absolute star in the making.