Oxjam Music Festival: Lucy Rose

The third night of the opening week for the Oxjam festival at Oxfam in Dalston was well and truly turned into ladies’ night. Kyla La Grange and Lucy Rose were both on the list to play to a small crowd in the quaint shop setting, where fans were able to shop for a good cause whilst they listened to a delightful acoustic mix. The much-anticipated performance from Lucy Rose and her band allowed fans to indulge in songs from her brand new debut album, Like I Used To, which was released on Monday. 

Kyla La Grange, who has just returned from her exciting Africa Express journey, won everyone over with her modest charm and slightly nervous appeal. Warming up prior to the headline performance, Kyla played favourites such as Heavy Stone and Catalyst, fitting in perfectly with the ambience of the evening.

Lucy, who recorded the vocals to her new album in a bunker in the garden of her mum and dad’s house, opened in wonderful style and moved straight into playing one of her well-known classics, Middle of the Bed. With fans such as Ghostpoet amongst the relaxed audience and blue lighting shining onto the makeshift stage, fans were able to see a glow on Lucy’s face, as her and the band moved into Watch Over and Strangers.

A more upbeat start to the song Scar saw Lucy dancing along to the beat with other members of her band and a beaming smile drew her face. The beginning of Shiver, a song from the new album, saw an abrupt stop from Lucy, who had decided her guitar was not in tune. Telling the crowd to hold on while she fixed the problem, Lucy returned by saying “we can be relaxed because we are in a shop” and making references to smashing her guitar up when she becomes successful. Bawled over by her loveliness, the crowd laughed and allowed her to continue playing as though there had been no glitches at all. 

Dedicated fans in the front row even sung the words to Lucy’s new songs, which took her a little by surprise. Her finale included Bikes, for the ultimate chanting contribution, and the perfect finish to a somewhat peaceful night in East London.

Kellie Griffiths

For further information and future gigs visit Lucy Rose’s website here.

For further information about Oxjam Festival visit Oxfam’s website here.

Watch the video for Middle of the Bed here: