04 November 2010 (gig)
08 October 2010
Ellie Goulding’s intimate, acoustic gig at London’s notorious Hard Rock Café for a select crowd of competition winners and industry types was a rare treat because, as Goulding herself admitted, the acoustic vibe was “not usually what she does these days”. No doubt though, this is more akin to how she started from her humble Hereford origins.
I was not sure what to expect of the gig, given the fact her set would be sans the electro influence, but by the end of it I felt positively surprised and pleased with my night. It’s probably less surprising that the first song I thought of earlier in the day was ‘Starry Eyed’, which the young and refreshingly down-to-earth Goulding, did well to keep in her pocket until last.
Fresh back from a week in the US, Ellie and her band showed they not only sound good on a record. Her 45-minute set was polished exhibiting a stage presence and musical prowess way beyond her 23 years, despite the popping noise in her ear – the result of an ear infection – she had no problem sharing with the crowd.
Stripping the music down to the core – which often uncovers an artist’s real skills - Goulding wowed the appreciative, though at times subdued, audience with acoustic versions of her less known but nevertheless good songs from her chart-topping debut album ‘Lights’.
Sitting down, acoustic guitar in hand, Golding’s stage presence was relaxed but never careless, and the crowd also seemed to like the mix of honesty, playfulness and at times vulnerability she brought to the stage.
Stand out track and last single ‘The Writer’ saw Goulding at her heartfelt best vocally, while her cover of The Temper Trap’s ‘Sweet Disposition’ soared through the Hard Rock Café in stark contrast to the some of the hardened rock stars who adorned its walls.
Unlike for many others, Goulding’s gamble to give up university to pursue music has so far paid off, giving the UK a gifted singer and songwriter. She is a confident and chatty live performer who isn’t short of a smile and throws in a joke now and then to entertain her listeners. I’m not sure she will ever fill huge stadiums, but her gigs are worth watching.
