Hope Tala’s songwriting is as sharp as it is clever, and in the intimate confines of The Academy Green Room, her cheeky delivery landed with perfect precision. The London artist balances bossa-nova influences with R&B warmth, but hearing her sound unfold in a room this size gave everything more life.
Hits like “Cherries” and “Lovestained” unsurprisingly went down well, but it was the inclusion of a surprise Lily Allen “Smile” cover that was a singalong highlight. Fitting with Hope Tala’s own witty approach, a cover of the queen of irony herself suited the setlist only too well.
It’s Tala’s lyricism that anchored the show. Her turns of phrase, subtle jabs and self-aware humour had the crowd invested in every story. Between songs she lightheartedly joked with the audience and professed her never-ending adoration for her Irish fanbase.
Support on the night came from BINA.
BINA photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Bossy
Blackjack
Sleepless
Just Like Her Father
Just a Sec
Self Assured
Inside Out
Pendulum
Dopamine
Hope Tala photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Intro
Magic Or Medicine
Jumping The Gun
Cherries
All My Girls Like To Fight
Bad Love God
I Can’t Even Cry
Is It Enough
Lose My Mind
Mulholland
Crazy
Smile (Lilly Allen Cover)
Survival
Lovestained
Miracle
Shiver
Heartbeat (the end)
Lights Camera Action
Thank Goodness
Leave It On The Dancefloor
Photos & Words by Myles Dunne – @MylesDunnePhoto