Feel-good, dance pop Monday night takeover with Rose Gray

Photo by wwolnyphotography

words by Ana Bhardwaj

Walking into Village Underground on a Monday night probably isn’t on most people’s itineraries for the start of the week, unless you’re ready to let loose and party to it-girl Rose Gray‘s album Louder, Please. The tour sees two sold-out nights in East London’s cool converted warehouse, kicking off a rather grey and dull week with party anthems from the queen of East London herself.

Making her way through the packed crowd for her opening song had everyone frantically turning their heads towards the star being lifted up and walked from the back of the room to the stage before launching into smash hits “ATTENTION!”and “Damn.” Whipping her fiery red hair and taking full control of her stage, Gray brings a new sense of freedom and charisma to her set. Her powerful vocals cut through loud basslines, and the crowd goes especially wild for the track “I Don’t Speak French,” to be released as part of the deluxe edition of her debut album later this month. She even does a cheeky cover of Madonna’s “Music,” showcasing her roots in club and party anthems.

The visuals and lighting are bold and bratty, and you’d expect nothing less from a set like this. After all, Gray did host an afters at Colour Factory post–Charli XCX’s headline slot at LIDO Festival this summer. It’s sweaty, it’s wet and wild (a nod to her song), and it’s a party rather than a pop gig. Gray continues with the European leg of this tour, concluding in Paris right before A Little Louder, Please (Deluxe) is released. She’s one of the most exciting live acts to have on your radar right now.

Photos by wwolnyphotography