Ellie Goulding at Koko

Opening with eerie chords reminiscent of Radiohead’s Pyramid Song and a blood-red backdrop, it was clear from the start that the intimate, dusky atmosphere of Koko would provide the perfect setting for a more personal concert from Ellie Goulding. Either that or something inspired by Twin Peaks.

Ranging from lo-fi to electropop, the first few songs of the setlist are still and understated, while Goulding’s vocals are clear, undecorated and raw. The synth-sound world works better on stage, and there’s nothing to disappoint here; there is a definite feeling of being back in the mid-80s with bass synth, pizzicato strings and purple lights – and the singer’s voice is perfect for it, at times sounding almost like Michael Jackson’s in Beat It or Billie Jean.

After the mellow start of Better Man, the beat ramps up. The audience, previously chilled, is singing and dancing during Outside (possibly better than the original by Calvin Harris). There are new songs from Higher Than Heaven, which is due for release at the end of March: Love Goes On and Like a Saviour, which feature acoustic violin and viola, the latter in lieu of cello. The violinist shines: part of a band that Goulding acknowledges as the best in the business. Whoever they are, they can really play – take it from a professional.  

There is something immediately likeable about self-effacing Goulding, who is dressed in a futuristic black and silver outfit, stark against the warm reds and blues of the Koko stage. The free-flowing hair, the sensual movements and wavering voice: it all brings to mind Kate Bush. She says she is not a talker (endearingly, she talks quietly almost to herself between songs) but there are many thank yous, and it feels genuine – it radiates from her, in fact, just like the blue and red strobing in Lights.

The final two songs are sultry, with a romantic vibe. Midnight Dreams is an unearthly escape. There were a few proposals during last night’s Love Me Like You Do (could there be a better proposal song?). Just before the encore, Burn, she asks us to put down our phones, raise our hands and watch with our real eyes, not our electronic ones – which sums it all up nicely.

Michael Bennett
Photos: Virginie Viche

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

Watch the video for the single Like a Saviour here: