The perfect performance; Matt Maltese Live in London

It’s immediately apparent that Maltese is a man of artistic control as the loungey world of Bad Contestant is brought to life by the decorative stage set-up at London's Scala. A drinks cabinet lined with martinis is propped up in the corner, there’s a plush velvet sofa and a big cheesy love heart as a back drop. It’s the trappings of a hopeless romantic; cue Maltese’s entrance adorned in a pink velvet suit and a can of cider.

Opener ‘Like A Fish’ is a schmaltzy singalong and unveils the backing bands impressive ability to recreate the lush arrangements from the record in a live setting. He continues to croon through the inebriated lovelorn escapade of ‘Nightclub Love’ and the comic longing of ‘Greatest Comedian’ which, features killer lines like “God must be the greatest comedian I know, to put you so far away”.

Maltese’s greatest strengths are his gravitational voice and knack for swooning melodies which, hold the audience captive in a solemn sway for a majority of the set. However, when free from his piano, Maltese finds variety on ‘Bad Contestant’ as he struts along the edge of the stage armed with a martini glass and a wagging finger. His showmanship shines through in his in-between song banter which is efortlessly peppered with amusing quips and anecdotes - especially the one about ice skating with his Mum during a comedown.

Under the irresistible melodies lies a confessional and self-deprecating core, which are openly scrutinized when Maltese goes it alone with just his voice and the piano; ‘Less and Less’ and ‘Even If It’s a Lie’ are stirring, pin-drop moments in the set.

One thing that sets Maltese apart from other new faces on the scene is his unapologetic penchant for theatrics which are rarely displayed at shows this early in a musician’s career. A sea of heart-shaped balloons are poured over the crowd during the closing bars of ‘As The World Caves In’, where he imagines the leaders of the free world canoodling in the nuclear light of their self-administered apocalypse. It’s a satisfying, poignant and strangely funny finale.

With a show as confident, entertaining and charming as this, it’s safe to say we can continue to expect great things from Matt Maltese.