Simultaneously languid and energetic, AlunaGeorge’s dance-pop fusion is perhaps not entirely original, but even at three floors up, at the back of Shepherd’s Bush Empire, they have the charisma and substance to create an electric atmosphere.
The combination of George’s well-crafted basslines and multi-dimensional backing (every track is far more complex than the majority of Disclosure’s Settle) with Aluna’s angular, yet strangely seductive, performance underpins the whole show. Early tracks like ‘Attracting Flies’ showcase the duo’s ability to mold seemingly disjointed and disparate melodies into insidiously indulgent synth pop.
There are also more tender moments to the set as Aluna croons “Is this paper all I’ve got / All I’ve got to keep you with me / To keep you from fading away” on ‘Outlines’. But the most enthralling moments of the set are when the craziest beats and sounds emerging from one end of the stage lay the perfect backing for a smooth vocal hook; ‘Your Drums, Your Love’ being the perfect example. Even the more experimental and fast-paced tracks, such as pre-album effort ‘We Are Chosen’, have the ability to kick the atmosphere up a gear and the pogoing in the crowd begins in earnest.
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Having been thrown into the spotlight late last year, AlunaGeorge seem to have spread themselves thinly between awards show gigs, album promotion, festivals and enjoying their new social circles throughout most of 2013. In this sense, it felt like a relief for the band to get back in front of a London audience where they could relax and enjoying themselves. Although many debut albums from well-hyped bands suffer when single after single is released to extend its commercial success, later releases have only served to demonstrate Body Music‘s depth. ‘Bad Idea’ and ‘Lost and Found’ stand out as two of the most rousing and enjoyable tracks when delivered with such feeling on stage, and, of course, crowd-pleasers ‘White Noise’ and ‘This Is How We Do It’ show that they are a band who can combine great musical nouse with popular appeal.
A superb gig from the London duo who have a very bright future. 9/10, catch them when you can!
