Stooshe bring joviality and soul to London Scala

After a sterling performance by the supporting act Tich, the trio that makes up the jovial and soulful Stooshe burst onto the stage to immediately seize and hold the attention of everyone at the venue. Combining Motown dance moves, a pop sense of fashion and R&B singing voices, the girls have created a formula that doesn’t just stand out from the crowd but also flows smoothly.

As well as performing many of their own tracks, the group weren’t shy to express their admiration for other artists. From TLC to Ed Sheeran, it seems that they keep a foot in the past along with the present.

Their rendition of Waterfalls was interesting as it gave the classic R&B gem a more pop-sounding edge that seemed to feel less sultry and more upbeat. The audience received it warmly and it was clear to see those who knew the song word for word from the days of TLC and those who were hearing it for the first time dancing along to the poetic lyrics.

The group’s cover of Ed Sheeran’s Lego House was a fitting imitation that followed the original track note for note, with brief instances of harmonising and vocal belting.

Towards the end of the set, the songs lost a bit of the energy that was very uninhibited at the beginning. Love Me, one of the group’s most popular and well-known songs, features a guest rapper. However, it was clear to see from the start of the song that the fervour that was so apparent earlier was dwindling. Not only this, but when the rapping began not a single word was heard clearly and as such the song was not done justice.

Another problem was the appearance of three guest performers, which included Fazer from N-Dubz. Although a delightful surprise, with six artists on the stage, as well as three backing singers, it felt as though there was far too much going on in terms of both music and visuals.

Nevertheless, the final song, Kiss Chase, reclaimed the essence of youthful vitality and intensity that seemed to come so naturally to the girls. With audience participation, stunning light displays and tight-knit backing musicianship, the set ended just as it had begun.

Though they stumbled briefly, the group is definitely enticing enough to see again.

Rahul Bahal
Photos: Bartek Odias

For further information and future events visit Stooshe’s website here.