Words by Ella Barrett

Enthusiastic chatter filled the upstairs room of The Grace on Friday night, beneath its disco ball-clad ceiling, while Wolf Alice’s Don’t Delete the Kisses drifted softly through the pre-show playlist. Lydia May’s audience spanned a range of ages and backgrounds, yet there seemed to be a shared spirit of alternative expression and inclusivity. Fans embraced one another, filmed candid clips, and called out how proud they were of her. The warmth and openness of the crowd felt deeply fitting when placed alongside Lydia’s relatable lyricism. She herself expressed how proud she was to be an artist with fans so committed to being unapologetically themselves, and to embracing one another with such open-mindedness.

Photo by Cassie Barnard

Lydia’s vocals drew comparisons to Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice, with the angst and edge of her lyrics beautifully juxtaposed against her angelic soprano tone. There was also something distinctly Florence Welch-meets-Stevie Nicks about her presence: a haunting yet beautiful vocal style paired with a whimsical, occult-inspired outfit that lent the performance an undeniably mystical quality. This gothic aesthetic worked in perfect harmony with the emotional depth and progressive spirit of her songwriting, capturing what it means to be a creative with a platform — one where art and self-expression can gather a crowd and leave a lasting impression.

The song Sixteen stood out in particular, as Lydia gave voice to the experience of being a young woman under the weight of contemporary pressures. The electric guitar carried a strong sense of nostalgia, contrasting poignantly with the emotional turbulence of the lyrics and suggesting the bittersweet ache of looking back. This feeling was heightened by her siren-like vocals, enriched with carefully placed reverb that created an undeniably mesmerising sound. Other tracks, Prom and You’ve Got This Kid, evoked a similar wistfulness and sense of melancholic growing pains. Yet beneath their vulnerability, their lyrics still held optimism, communicating the idea that even the most difficult experiences can shape us, teach us, and help us grow.

Lydia said that “performing to her fans is like coming home,” and she proved this through her palpable gratitude and clear desire to create a safe, inclusive space for an entire generation. To witness that first-hand, in such an intimate venue, was a moving experience — one that will stay with me for a long time.

Photos by Cassie Barnard