Jetta and All Saints at Hammersmith Apollo

Giggers turning up to the Hammersmith Apollo tonight might be forgiven for thinking they are in for a night of total nostalgia, with 90s sensation All Saints topping the bill. But there is also a glimpse into the future on offer as Liverpudlian breakout talent Jetta steps out onto the stage.

If the Scouse artist contrasts with the headliner though, it’s nothing compared to her own contradictions: between her peroxide blonde perm and black spandex dress; between her infectiously fun personality twirling and grinning its way across the stage and the haunting, soaring power of her vocals. And, somehow, it all works, coming together to create a star in the making. As Jetta’s remarkable voice rises over the electronic backing, it’s moving and energising. As the performer leaves the stage during her latest single Enemy in Me, it seems like we are witnessing the music of tomorrow, the face of which feels as much a friend as it is a foe.

Then comes the rewind. “We’re just here to sing a few old songs, some new ones and just have a trip down memory lane,” announces Shaz moments after the reformed girl group enter a stage already packed with their seven-piece band.

That’s exactly what they deliver. As you might expect with that many musicians, it’s loud. Opener Bootie Call booms out, bassier and darker than the original recording – designed for performers and an audience who are more than 20 years older than they were when the track was first released.

As the show goes on, it’s clear that Mel, Shaz, Nat and Nic all relax into it, and there’s dancing and laughing and joking on stage. As it goes on, another thing also becomes clear: they can still sing.

By the time they get to Pure Shores, the crowd is transformed into a sea of waving arms, bathed in nostalgia. All that’s left is an encore rendition of Never Ever, where every single word is chanted and screamed back. There were new tunes, and they were good, but this is what the crowd wants. And it’s what they get – in style.

Will Almond
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Jetta and All Saints’s website here.

Watch the video for Love Lasts Forever here: