Koko, London
The Sault singer creates an intimate atmosphere with her affable yet commanding stage presence, as if she knows everyone there personally
Cleo Sol is visibly comfortable, swiftly disposing of some large hoop earrings during opener Young Love. This is her first headline show in London, a surprising fact given she has already released two critically acclaimed albums, Rose in the Dark and Mother, along with her work as a vocalist with Mercury prize-nominated avant-soul outfit Sault – and also surprising given that she turns out to be such a natural live performer.
Leading a choreographed sway during this opening song, Sol is casual and affable, as if she knows everyone there personally, and brings a high level of warmth to the sold-out, three-floor venue. At times the opulent space actually feels too small, the smooth band and backing vocalists sometimes competing with a zealous crowd. Sol could easily have full command of a much bigger venue, yet the almost familial nature of the show, enhanced by her frequent welfare check-ins with fans, may well be lost somewhere more sizeable. “The more singing, the better,” Sol announces, and the crowd obliges, seamlessly reciting Rose in the Dark’s healing ode to introspection, and the lovers rock-infused Shine, the latter aided by a guest appearance from Grammy-nominated Jamaican artist Chronixx, met with amazement by an already amped-up crowd.