Live: Hollie Cook

Headliner: Hollie Cook
Support: Dr Bongo DJs
Where: Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen, London
When: 14th May 2014
Reviewed By: Dan Stoten

Let's get this straight out there: Hollie Cook is a sublime talent. She is without a doubt one of the most original, talented, and intoxicating performers in music right now.

This, her launch party for second album Twice, was the third time I'd seen Hollie, the daughter of Sex Pistols' drummer Paul. Each time, her beautiful voice and self-assured stage presence had blown me away. Previously, however, I had seen her with Prince Fatty (who produced Twice) and Horseman at festivals and over in San Francisco.

She opened with Ari Up, the first track from her new album. The intro is slow, seductive, and almost religious in feel, with a real chorus feel to it. The track then launched into a deeply rhythmic groove, luxurious in it's delivery. Hollie's voice sailed and floated majestically over the backing groove, getting the capacity crowd moving in time. As a performer, it is very difficult to take your eyes from Hollie, her presence and character radiating a truly peaceful, sunshine feel onto all around her.

From there, the set for me blended into one gorgeously sunny hour of deep grooves and luxurious reggae. The deeply soothing basslines, so groove-laden and well judged, with the incredible beauty of Hollie's voice and the overall feeling of the gig was a truly intoxicating thing: there were at times when it felt a little like I was in a trance.

Hollie didn't only perform tracks from her new album, though, bringing out some tracks from previous releases. Horseman joined her on stage for a couple of tracks, too, with the triumphant Cry being one of the gig's highlights.

This was an incredibly laid-back gig, one where it seemed Hollie and her audience were at one. She was clearly humbled by the capacity crowd, which was refreshing and good to see. I left feeling slightly in awe of her and her musical ability. If you get the chance, go and see her. You will not be disappointed.