ELIZA was casually flawless at the Jazz Cafe last night

11 October 2018, 11:32 | Written by Tom Konstantynowicz

(Live)

(ELIZA)

Future R&B, neo-soul.... whatever you want to call it, it suits ELIZA. Whether she’s dishing out sultry bedroom vibes or defiant statements, she’s certainly at home in this space.

There's a buzz of homecoming around her show tonight. It’s her biggest London date so far as ELIZA (sans the Doolittle), and it’s at a sold-out Jazz Cafe - not a venue particularly renowned for pop shows, but an iconic one nonetheless. So this feels unique and memorable as the crowd wrap around the stage, creating an enclosed, intimate atmosphere which plays directly into her hands.

It’s been World Mental Health Day today, and as she pauses halfway through her set to share sentiments on the matter, it’s just another glimpse of how endearing, warm, and ‘of-the-people’ ELIZA naturally is between tracks. Then, once the beat kicks in, she works the stage so effortlessly that neither her dancers, super-tight band, or a Jesse James Solomon cameo can take the shine off her. Not that they try.

It isn’t even that ELIZA attempts to hog the limelight. It’s just that as she floats about the stage, she has a presence you can’t take your eyes off. Her vocals are also to die for, the way she flits between octaves and in-and-out of falsetto with consummate ease is euphoric to hear first hand. And again, it’s all done so casually.

The hits are all on show tonight. “Alone & Unafraid” dazzles, as do “All Night” and “Wasn’t Looking”, and on reflection, there are really very few strings missing from ELIZA’s bow. Expect big things from this huge talent in 2019.