Laura Doggett at XOYO

Tonight’s concert at XOYO is completely sold out, and as soon as Laura Doggett takes to the stage, it’s obvious why. The dream-pop songstress has been making a name for herself recently, with a track featured on the latest Broadchurch trailer and a string of intimate performances in unique venues, from the inner chambers of the Albert Hall to the Sam Wannamaker Playhouse. The grace and confidence that she exhibits on stage is proof that she’s equally at home in less unusual surroundings.

Flanked by a backing band consisting of a guitarist, pianist, cellist and rhythm section, Doggett’s haunting compositions are given new life in this live setting, building such emotion and atmosphere that the audience seems almost hypnotised by the spectacle. Doggett’s voice, powerful and fragile by equal measure, is the star of the show, cutting through the ambience of the music with a fervour and passion far beyond her 21 years. The set consists of popular fan favourites, from the dark discordance of Phoenix to the ethereal groove of Into the Glass, complemented by lesser known numbers such as Searching and Language of My Heart. Also included in the set is Doggett’s collaboration with up-and-coming singer Alice Jemima, Night Girl; Jemima herself makes a guest appearance during the song to provide a wistful counterpart to Doggett’s powerful melancholia.

Take the best bits of Florence and the Machine, 2.54 and Policia and you’re still only about halfway there. Despite her still relatively unknown status, it is clear that Laura Doggett is one of the most exciting and affecting musicians emerging into the mainstream. If tonight’s performance is anything to go by, it wont be long before these intimate venues are exchanged for sell-out arena tours.

Ed Barnes

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

Watch the video for Into the Glass here: