08.11.2014 La Roux @ The Institute, Birmingham

On a rather chilly night La Roux as well as support act ‘Meanwhile’ brought heat to the venue.

‘Meanwhile’ was hard to classify (which is always a plus) as their songs were  reminiscent of ABC, David Bowie and Heaven 17 all at the same time while being unique as well. Not all songs were necessarily great material but enjoyable nonetheless. Because of the retro feel to Meanwhile’s music I don’t think they will dent the charts anytime soon yet there is a part of me that wishes them well and wants the band to prove me wrong. 30 odd years ago they would have been a smash hit 

Not long after ‘Meanwhile’ vacated the stage La Roux aka Ellie Jackson and her four-piece band came on and from the first beat onward it was a sonic feast.


Songs from both albums were equally embraced by the audience and at some stage Ellie looked at the setlist and said: “I am actually annoyed that there aren't more songs”. Perhaps these words will be an indication that there won’t be another 5 years in-between album releases.











Ellie was in control of her voice and her audience throughout the evening and her band was fantastic and very motivated, they were all fun to watch and to listen to.

Superb !

Photo credit: Nicole Valentin

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