Live Review: Sampha, Pauli

Ticketing issues cause lines to stretch out around the block, so few are lucky enough to get in just in time to catch the end of an energetic set from London artist PAULi.

The strobe lights flicker as he delves into Waiting (Getting On This Train) and he jumps around the stage with frenetic dance moves, while serving up vocals reminiscent of Kele Okereke from Bloc Party. PAULi is all about the good vibes as he sings I Don't Care, which is a kaleidoscopic anthem of swirling electronics with a futuristic pop sound.

Sampha positions himself in front of a keyboard within a half moon shaped backdrop like a rising sun. He begins with his opening track Plastic 100 C to set an atmospheric scene as he sings, "Magnetic lights in the blue-high haze / a magnifying glass upon my face." Our eyes fixate on his silhouette with distinctive hair outlines against a vivid ocean blue gradient. We listen to his smooth and soulful vocals wash over us like floating waves. "Melbourne, can-can-can you hear me now?" he croons, as he adapts the lyrics for his first headline appearance in our city.

The background lighting changes colour gradients to suit the mood of each song that transitions with an effortless flow and an incredible build up.

Too Much is a crowd favourite that boasts his soft tender vocals and sublime falsetto matched beautifully with a moving piano-driven melody. The word 'Peacemaker' printed across his jacket sums up his calming spirit perfectly.

"Feel free to move, feel free to bounce around!" he tells us as he changes the pace on Reverse Faults with pulsing synths and glitchy trap beats. The strobe lights match the electronic sound production to create a stunning colourful rainbow display throughout the theatre. Sampha grabs his drumstick and taps away between verses for an instrumental jam during Kora Sings that builds with a momentous crescendo. The colours turn to a sea of red for the brooding Blood On Me to explore emotional themes of fear and vulnerability.

The crowd stamps the floor to demand an encore even though we're well aware he's still got two more songs up his sleeve. The spotlight shines down on Sampha as he returns for a solo stripped-down ballad (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano with only the keys at his fingertips. His flawless vocals send chills down our spines. He joins his three band members around a drum kit to the right of the stage for a jam on the last track Without. They each play a part of the instrument in perfect synchronicity before making their way to their original positions for the final chorus. We're left in complete awe of Sampha's mesmerising live performance that was well worth the wait.