Full Steam Ahead For Pop’s New Talent

You might not have heard of Self Esteem but I am sure after tonight’s rousing performance at Manchester’s Albert Hall, she is destined to become a household name.

As Self Esteem, Rotherham born Rebecca Taylor, has shaken off her indie band past to become a mainstream pop star. Her debut album Compliments Please gave her the chance to voice her feelings of insecurity and frustration that many of us experience every day as regards family relationships and break-ups.

It was with her second album Prioritise Pleasure released two years ago when things started to come into play; the album was praised, by many for its fearless ability to deal with issues around female autonomy, comparison culture and self-love all set against melodic musical arrangements.

Her TV appearance last year on Later... With Jools was one of those moments to ask why such an exciting new artist has not been heard before.
The whole presentation looked new and gifted - like a breath of fresh air.

Her style of music is congregational and spiritual fitting in well within the confines of the Albert Hall – a former Methodist Church now a concert hall. The tour is practically sold out – after tonight’s accomplished showing you can understand why.

Along with her three singer-dancers, Marged Sion, Levi Heaton and Seraphina D’Arby who all move and sing together in total harmony, there was a touch of mime, theatre and dance in their performance. With a bass player/percussionist and her drummer they drew a vivid picture. The only prop on stage was a small staircase which Taylor used to full effect throughout the evening.

Her palate has many colours: from the stomping glam rock of How Can I Help You? to the soulfulness of The 345, the latter sung appropriately in hymn like fashion by the sold-out audience, this was a vivid display to behold and cherish.

There are not many gigs these days where there is an absence of mobile phones being held in the air to record the moment; thankfully the Manchester audience chose to live in the moment where the talent on stage commands attention.

With three costume changes in a set that lasted just over an hour no one could accuse her and the band for not putting in the effort. The attention to detail was commendable, the respect from the audience well deserved.

New songs such as Mother and Love Second gave hints of the richness to come though it was on her older tracks such as You Forever and I Do This All The Time where the hairs on your back literally stood up – it felt like you were witnessing something unique and special where a youthful exuberance kept the show buoyant.

row[]As the evening ended with Still Reigning, Taylor and her band raised their arms in triumph. The night had ended though the memory of the show will live on.

The current tour will probably be your last chance to see her in smaller venues – try and bag a ticket to the remaining shows – you will not be disappointed.