Laura Welsh at Elektrowerkz

With the likes of Banks, FKA Twigs, and even Florence Welch, there seems to be a rise of delicate young flowers flexing their formidable R&B chops and re-shaping pop music. Laura Welsh is ready to take her place amongst these powerful songstresses, with a bold and unapologetic performance that demonstrates her effortless vocal aerobics.

Undiscovered holds its own on the 50 Shades of Grey soundtrack, next to songs from Beyoncé, Ellie Goulding and Sia. This demonstrates the calibre and potential of Welsh’s musical ability and the sexual charge of the album is reflected in the rest of her show.

This powerful sensuality conflicts with the cartoon-eyed, girl-next-door simplicity of her appearance. She graces the stage, quiet and unassuming until she belts out the first sweltering lines of Hollow Drum. From that moment, there is no illusion that this is a woman totally in control, making it all seem so easy.

Hardest Part was written with John Legend, and while there is evidence of his masterful musical puppeteering, Laura Welsh commands the song, emoting the longing found in the lines “I keep lying to myself I don’t need nobody else, but I do! I need you!” This is where her talent lies, not only is the tone of her voice deliciously silky, but the emotion that comes through, whether it is lust, passion, or heartache, is tangible in every line.

The lights and visuals add to the atmosphere of each song, with cool blues and hot pinks creating an air of inviting mystery. They allow the audience to get wrapped up in the entire sensory experience, where the visual serenade matches the aural seduction.

She has been touted as one to watch for the last couple of years and it seems that, in this time, Welsh has been honing her craft, discovering her sound and what works right for her. Those within the music industry seem to already be recognising her potential and the packed venue indicates that this is translating to fans as well. With the recent release of her album, Soft Control (which could not be a more accurate way to describe her sound), it seems that 2015 might be the year that Welsh cements herself as an electro-soul pop heavyweight.

Yassine Senghor
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information about Laura Welsh and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Ghosts here: