AlunaGeorge – XOYO, London 19/02/13

-Photo by Abi Dainton.

Perhaps as we are fast approaching March it is no longer appropriate to use such expressions as ‘ones to watch’, ‘hotly tipped’ or reference that BBC poll, but I’m afraid it cannot be helped in this instance; AlunaGeorge demand such a reference as one of the very most exciting names to dominate that late 2012 period of mass educated guess work.

Aluna Francis and George Reid began their rise to this justified buzz pedestal in early 2011; their blend of UK garage and laid back R&B sounded underground but had key commercial ingredients that foreshadowed mainstream success. The combination of Reid’s clean-cut production and Francis’ sugary-sweet vocals quickly placed them alongside the likes of Katy B and even drew comparisons to 90s (guilty) pleasures, such as Sweet Female Attitude.

Looking around an excitable, sold out XOYO it is easy to forget the duo have only released two singles. Like so many, the internet provided the platform for the exposure they deserve, even enjoying the title of ‘most blogged artist in the UK’ last year. Throw in a #2 single with the increasingly popular Disclosure, along with a couple of inspired cover choices, and you have whipped up a recipe for serious hype.

Opening with the immediately recognisable squeaks and clicks of ‘Just A Touch’ sets the 90s tone and conjures up welcome echoes of TLC and Aaliyah and gets the sizeable crowd moving. No one moves quite as well as Aluna though; somehow pulling-off pyjama bottoms, wayfarers and not a lot else, she gyrates so effortlessly throughout the set, emphasising the smooth, almost liquid sound they produce. “I want you to be yourself, I love it when I see you having fun” sounds so innocently brilliant.

‘Be Your Boo’ is a highlight from the forthcoming Body Music album, set for release through Island at the beginning of June, as the four on stage seem to let loose from the otherwise neatly organised performance. Other new tracks have their moments, but help to remind us that it is still early days, while their fantastically funky covers of ‘Thinkin Bout You’ and Montell Jordan’s classic ‘This Is How We Do It’, are inspired and go down exceptionally well.

Piercing snare from a real drum kit, clever sampling and more luscious vocals make ‘You Know You Like It’ and ‘Watching Over You’ highlights, before their best track to date ‘Your Drums Your Love’ wraps up the set. Holding out a mic, the crowd obliges by screaming back the refrain and demonstrating once again how well loved this young duo are. It is a fantastic finale to a seductive performance and a brillant pop song for a generation of internet sensationalists who picked out a gem in AlunaGeorge.