Follow The New Rules: Dua Lipa, Live in London

07 November 2017, 21:51 | Written by Lucy Alexander

(Live)

(Dua Lipa)

A few days before I see Dua Lipa at the O2 Brixton Academy, a remix of her summer smash "New Rules" is released. At its best - and worst - it centres upon synth-heavy fetishism of the revived '80s aesthetic, which has been so widely celebrated by her pop contemporaries. However, this remix is merely a side note that should not – and will not - distract from Lipa’s fearless performance.

The past few months for Dua Lipa have been explosive and tonight marks the end of Dua Lipa’s Self-Titled Tour. Even when sat in the rafters of Brixton Academy, there’s an undisputable air of excitement. It’s impossible to ignore and, as a born and bred Londoner, I felt an odd sense of pride as she strode confidently on to the stage to greet her home crowd. Opening with "Hotter Than Hell", Dua Lipa quickly cajoles the crowd into starting an immense dance party.

On record, songs from her self-titled debut are heavily reliant on pulsing drums and melancholic synths. However, flanked by her incredible live band, summer hits reign victorious and lesser known tracks have an added urgency. "Thinking ‘Bout You" offers a refreshing break from her chart ready hits and shows off her truly unique vocal tone. It’s important to note that this show has been perfectly visually and sonically curated as well as expertly refined over an intense tour period. Every instrumental push and lighting cue - in songs such as "Blow Your Mind (Mwah)" - was flawlessly accentuated by expressive dance moves or an occasional head bang from her long-haired band.

Going against the trend of sepia-toned, pseudo-romantic visuals, Dua Lipa chooses to be set against an angular, neon-rimmed, screen that bodly projects the image of her own self portrait. This is a statement that doesn’t distract from her blend of emotive yet defiant hits. "IDGAF" is framed by a warning: “This is a song for all the fuckboys who have done you wrong. If you would like to participate in the next activity please put your middle fingers up”. This perfectly sums up her no-frills attitude that unites the crowd just in time for a sing along to her newest single" Be The One".

Patiently, the crowd waits for the glorious closer "New Rules". This has been the moment we have been all waiting for and we vehemently wait for Dua’s instruction to "get down on the floor and get ready to jump". Even in the rafters we participate and, for the first time, we obediently sit in our seats. As the final triumphant chorus begins, the crowd erupts and as Dua says her thank-yous and goodbyes, we are left with an amazing after-taste.