UNION CHAPEL
26th NOVEMBER 2013
In terms of old-fashioned romance, not many places can beat Islington’s Union Chapel. Built in the 1800’s, this is a fully functioning church that doubles up as one of London’s best live music venues – think flickering candles, smokey shadows and an often very well-behaved audience perched on pews and twiddling their thumbs. It’s a gothic sanctuary of calm and mysticism. Could there be anywhere better to see airy-folk songstress Lyla Foy, we hear you cry? Probably not, actually.
Bathed in a warm red glow, she arrived on stage unassumingly – getting out her tiny guitar and tuning it amongst the chatter. Dressed in a flowery blouse, her hair loosely curled and her body language endearingly dainty, she began with soothing new release ‘Head Down’. Warm and a wee bit twee- it wasn’t until the third track ‘Impossible’ where she seemed to really come into her own. Her normally gentle vocals and tentative movements found some chutzpah which continued to reveal itself in flashes as the night went on. These were the best moments, and just left you wishing that she was less restrained normally – though that confidence is sure to come with a little more time.
The last three songs – new single ‘Easy’, synth-folk experiment ‘Feather Tongue’ and the beautiful country-esque ‘Honey Moon’ – were the main highlights, with Lyla revealing a pretty impressive set of pipes under all that celestial breathiness. Considering that she hasn’t even released her debut album yet, this is a singer with an exciting amount of potential – and she can’t half write a gorgeous song. We’ll be keeping our eye on this one.
All images by Robert Blackham
You can still WIN tickets to see Lyla Foy at the Lexington on the 10th December here.