Live Review: Cub Sport, Wafia

Wafia got everyone to their feet with her infectious electro-pop. She commanded the stage, her soulful vocals effortlessly flowing through the Enmore – which she says was a dream of hers to play – and melding perfectly with the groovy, percussive nature of her tracks. Bodies got everyone on side and dancing, while the poignant 83 Days drew us in closer and was a real treat to witness. However, what was arguably one of the best songs of last year, the ultra-groovy I’m Good, clinched the set, cementing Wafia in the hearts and minds of music lovers everywhere.

Cub Sport have really levelled up on their latest self-titled release, so it was only apt that their stage setting also would. Tim Nelson stepped out solo to open with a flawless rendition of Unwinding Myself (Intro). His perfect falsetto floored us, and the room was silent as he effortlessly glided through the song. Video brought up the mood and saw the stage unveiled in its full glory. The band was surrounded by two ramps creating a level above them, which Nelson used to walk across the stage, with the backlighting creating an outline of him that was often projected across multiple screens. 

To keep the party going, Chasin' and Hawaiian Party were played early in the set – much to everyone’s delight – enabling the crowd to get their groove on. The rest of the set was heavy with tracks off their self-titled release, meaning it moved through periods of slow, sombre tracks where we watched on in admiration of Nelson’s immaculate vocals, and more uplifting tracks that provided the release we were seeking on a Friday night.

Cub Sport’s self-titled album is almost a window into Nelson’s soul, as he lays bare tales of life, love and heartbreak. Much of this culminates in Party Pill, which had a sense of release during the set as the crowd moved their bodies in time with the music. Light II was a set highlight, and really let Nelson’s vocals shine – they're the star of their new release and the show.

However, it was Sometimes that really got us moving, with the crowd collectively bouncing along and screaming, “Sometimes I feel,” as we revelled in the '80s-esque synthesiser lead track. Off the back of joyous times, they harked back to Come On Mess Me Up for a quieter closer than expected. The crowd was eager for more, so Cub Sport returned to the stage to play their rendition of Billie Ellish’s when the party’s over to tide us over till next time.