Nonny Orakwue recently braved the winter cold and headed down to the popular nightspot, XOYO to check out the latest in a series of 'Curated by Lyle & Scott' music gigs headlined by singer and ex-Amy Winehouse beau, Alex Clare.

As the first of the early arrivals buzzed around the bar stocking up on Koppaberg and the like, 6-piece Midlands band, Paper Shapes kicked off proceedings. Explaining that it was their first gig since leaving uni and that they were overly pleased for the free Lyle & Scott gear (perhaps hoping to get their hands on more), Paper Shapes didn't hold back. If I knew much about non-urban genres, I'd insert a comparison to a band here, but seeing that I don't then i'll just say it was loud and energetic. As they performed, the room filled more and more and there was still an hour and a half before the main man (not that the audience knew that!), so it was good to see that the openers had some people to play to which usually is not the case. 

Looking around I was surprised to see that most of the audience was not the usual brogues and chinos crew synonymous with the Shoreditch scene - it was a little more diverse - probably a sign of how far-reaching Claire's music is. I claimed a comfy spot at the back and proceeded to get my toe-tapping on when an over zealous photog stuck a camera in my face. 

Hooray For Earth were up next - a US based band not scared to go in with the sci-fi disco pop, HFE weren't particularly impressive with the two whaling female vocalists and the death-by-synthesizer which wasn't helped by the speakers on full blast. Anywho, following a much needed interval Alex Clare emerged to take the stage like a pastor ready to preach to his congregation. 

The crowd were pumped and transfixed and as soon as Alex uttered the first word they could hardly contain themselves. XOYO was transformed into a sea of arms and bobbing heads. The atmosphere was high and the energy reflected this - whether it was groups of friend huddled into circles showing of their favourite dances moves or people busting out a 2-step at the back, everyone was mesmerised. 

If you're one to read critiques on artists (well obviously you are if you're looking at this) then you'd notice that Alex Clare is one of the artists who's been hard to pigeonhole, but he is a true hybrid - think Robin Thicke crossed with Diplo, Maverick Sabre and Liam Bailey - exactly it's hard to box. 

Clare belted out some of the hottest tunes from his current album, 'The Lateness of The Hour' supported by a live band. Moving through upbeat tracks like 'Up All Night', 'Too Close' and 'Treading Water' to more emotive heart-tugging tunes 'Hummingbird', 'I Won't Let You Down' and 'Whispering', the thing that struck me was his ability to draw everyone in, transporting them into his world. Clare is an unrivaled talent who embodies the definition of eclectic, I know it's an overused label but his set was a roller-coaster ride through soul, dub, R&B, pop and electro - totally eargasmic.

WORDS: Nonny Orakwue

To keep up to date with Alex Clare, visit www.alexclare.com
www.twitter.com/alexanderclare