As Monday’s go, you don’t get more doom and gloom than when paired with typical British weather. However, hundreds of fans flocked to Birmingham’s O2 Institute and braved the treacherous conditions as they lined up in anticipation for soul sensation, Olivia Dean. The three-time BRIT award nominee scheduled a stop in the city as part of her sold out Messy EU and UK tour - paying homage to her debut album released in 2023.
Support comes from Irish singer songwriter, Aby Coulibaly who takes to the stage a mere thirty minutes after opening. As the crowd filed in, Coulibaly flawlessly delivered Lauryn Hill-esque vocals accompanied by producer and DJ, Soltura. Whilst her performance was both enjoyable and authentic, the absence of a live band is somewhat noticeable. The addition of a band would enhance what is already an incredible opening set, but take it to the next level. A set highlight includes a heartfelt speech about her battles with Topical Steroid Withdrawal as she introduces the track Big Pharma (Withdrawal). Before you know it, thirty minutes have gone by, concluding the set. Coulibaly departs the stage with a smile on her face and the crowd are in good spirits and eagerly awaiting the evening’s headline act.
Filing onto the stage decorated with bespoke mirrors, a seven-piece all male backing band take their places as the lights fade to black. The 25-year-old superstar glides onto the stage and performs the first track of the night, ‘UFO’. With just a touch of back lighting, Dean beautifully performs the opening number and is greeted to roars from the sold-out audience, all eager for the full light production to kick in. ‘OK Love You Bye’ plays as the lights lift and reveals Dean wearing a beautiful black evening gown and a massive grin. However, it’s the third track ‘Echo’, Dean’s soulful 2020 pop hit that gets the concert hall swaying. Headlining venues more than twice the since of her last UK tour just one year prior, it is clear that Olivia Dean was made for big stages. With the flick of the wrist, she summons her accompanying backing band which to a mostly young female audience, just radiates power. Even more so, when the band depart the stage for a few numbers, allowing Dean an intimate moment with fans for touching numbers, including ‘I Could Be A Florist’. ‘The Hardest Part’ was among the show highlights, as the show came to a close. Ending without an encore feels almost jarring as audiences almost expect them when attending a live show, but Dean proved that when you’re as talented and enthralling as her - you really don’t need it. An artist who continues to flourish as her career grows with her, you’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity to catch Olivia Dean on her rapid rise to stardom.
