Sunday Girl then takes to the stage looking particularly windswept and interesting, which almost gives a summary of her set overall. Her first track has a slow introduction but by the chorus it turns into a catchy, upbeat track that gives the crowd something to dance to. The vocal melody is complicated and difficult to follow, which is a great credit to her because it sounds wonderfully creative and difficult, and she pulls it off so well. This melody lingers on in your mind afterwards and reminds me of Blondie’s slower songs, which of course is a great comparison for any female vocalist. However, she seems to be slightly uncomfortable on stage (a problem I’m sure Debbie Harry didn’t have), but this awkwardness is almost enchanting, as it symbolises that this young girl is at the start of her journey on the stage, and she hasn’t let it go to her head. For one track the guitarist ditches his guitar in favour of playing the keys, which in my opinion is only detrimental to the track, and he should stick to what he knows best, as it would bring more to the track. In the third track there is the first big musical moment, which is great because it brings more power to the track which forces Sunday Girl to reach more powerful notes. Unfortunately she seems unwilling to get involved with the crowd, and this shows in the crowd’s reaction, as she receives cheers with no real conviction.
Ellie Goulding opens with Under The Sheets, and takes to the stage with a huge band complete with backing singers something that is rarely seen these days! She adds extra vocal parts that aren’t on the track which truly shows her talent. Ellie also takes it upon herself to do some of the percussion, mounting the front of the stage and banging a huge drum that has been set up for her, which adds greater depth to the track and shows that she is not a girl to be messed with. She is every inch a star, even more so than I expected. This Love (Will be your downfall) is a track that I had not heard before which is performed fantastically. The lyrics are cleverly simple, and they are sung clearly and soulfully. One of the highlights of the set is when she picks up an acoustic guitar and plays her biggest single Guns and Horses. For the first part of the song only she plays and sings, which shows her talent as a musician and allows the crowd to interact solely with her, a moving moment. The track is played in a mellow way until the powerful chorus, where the underlying synth forces the song to new heights.
Halfway through her set, she and the band leave the stage and a video is played on the screen behind them. The video is Ellie talking about how she is a normal person with normal ambitions. The crowd seem to greatly embrace this video and open their hearts to Ellie Goulding. When she returns back to the stage, she explains how the video is about her journey over the past 12 months, and thanks the audience for taking part, and says how she is “grateful” to have a headline tour. At this point it is pretty much impossible not to be falling in love with the amazingly talented yet down to earth girl that is gracing the stage. The End is an acoustic track that is not on her album, which just Ellie plays acoustically. It is a testament to her talent that she can play guitar and sing so well. The track has a beautiful guitar riff that continues into the second verse, leaving me slightly intimidated by this girl’s musical ability as well as her beautiful vocals. Her cover of Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap is charming because it is rare for artists who are stars in their own right to do covers. Ellie really unleashes her vocals on this track, making it very emotional and powerful.
As expected, she ends the set with Starry Eyed, another huge single. This track is filled with energy and on stage dancing and I don’t think anyone in the crowd was left standing still. Her energy is infectious, yet this track doesn’t call for powerful vocals, leaving me feeling that it is nearly anti-climatic from a melodic point of view. However, Ellie Goulding has proven to everyone here tonight that she is a star, and I am sure she has a long way still to go.
Review to be published in Sheffield Music Scene, like will be posted when issue is published.
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