Shura at The Forum

Shura is shy, she tells the substantial crowd gathered at the Kentish Town Forum. She jokingly wonders out loud what made her chose a job that involves standing on stage in front of thousands of people on a regular basis. However, it soon becomes clear that her love of performing helps the singer overcome this shyness to entertain her dedicated fans.

This, of course, is the introduction to one of the stand-out numbers of the evening, 2Shy, which she dedicates to fellow bashful people in her audience. With its gloomy yet witty and relatable lyrics, this is one of the Mancunian singer-producer’s most familiar singles. And no one was letting a little shyness get in the way of dancing along to this hazy electro-pop hit.

This is Shura’s (aka Alexandra Denton) fifth show in London and now, armed with album Nothing’s Real, released this summer, she has more material to play with. The songs sound other-worldly, but most deal with very recognisable scenarios, such as being broken up with in the melancholy Make It Up, or fancying someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you in the catchy Tongue Tied.

On record, the tracks are woozy and dream-like, but on stage Shura brings more vibrancy to these numbers. Other hits such as Indecision keep the crowd out of their seats and dancing along enthusiastically.

Shura has apparently been suffering from the flu, but no one would guess it from the energy on stage and the quality of the performance. It’s hard not to be taken in by the infectious vibes from the songstress and her band as they play through further hits, including Touch, the track that first brought the singer to public attention when its video, co-directed and edited by Denton herself, became a bit of a YouTube sensation, racking up millions of views.

But the audience tonight weren’t here for any video, they were here for Shura and her polished performances of her 80s-tinged pop songs.

Joanna Blyth
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information about Shura and future events visit here.

Watch the video for 2Shy here: