AlunaGeorge at Omeara

Aluna Francis and George Reid make up this electronic dance duo, who produce popular tunes backed by R’n’B vocals and catchy lyrics. Tonight sees only the former on stage, and the songstress provides some classic club tunes in a sold-out show at Omeara.

Champagne Eyes, from the ensemble’s eponymous and independent EP, has Aluna rocking an electric guitar, a contrast to the electronic dance rhythms of the recorded version. Faulty is spoilt by the bad auto-tuned vocals and high treble bass, but Diver (Body Music, 2013) is considerably better, the first highlight of the evening – with a hint of South Asian melodies provided by samplers. The beautiful, slow-burning Outlines pops, helped by electronic backing instrumentals. Aluna introduces Mean What I Mean (I Remember, 2013) with a short but apt speech on consent, delivering the song with a confidence that makes the crowd cheer. The musician brings fellow British singer Shakka to perform Man Down, a track she features on. The number is a conventional R’n’B soul tune permeated by tropical vibes and pre-recorded backing melodies, although fans are quick to bring out their phones to capture the surprise appearance.

Returning to another dance electronic highlight, Automatic – from 2015 EP Genesis Series by Chinese-American artist Zhu – Aluna’s vocals prove ideal for this song, sultry like the saxophone sample and soft-toned. Famous sees the singer drumming on electronic pads, upheld by the disjointed reverb vocalisation. Calling out to female fans to come closer so she can have a conversation with them before performing I’m In Control (I Remember, 2013), it is clear the artist feels strongly about issues surrounding female sexuality, and a positive element of the set is that she uses both her status and platform to voice these matters.

Closing the gig with popular hit You Know You Like It, Aluna performs the track as remixed by DJ Snake, faster-paced amidst catchier hooks than those of the original. Following this is Hurting, another number on which the singer featured, by fellow electronic dance musician SG Lewis. As predicted Disclosure’s White Noise ends the encore, hyping the crowd through its long introduction, irresistible beat drops and memorable chorus.

Though their tracks do not stand out lyrically, AlunaGeorge know the formula to releasing endless hits, and it is no wonder so many artists have had the singer feature on their own records. More live instruments on stage would have improved the performance, but Aluna knows her fans, who still enjoyed a fun night of dancing in the final hours of the weekend.

Selina Begum
Photo: Greg Chow

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

Watch the video for Superior Emotion here: