Live Review: Ella Hooper, Caroline No, Tanzer

An illuminated Rolling Stone Live Lodge sign welcomes us to The Workers Club. We enter the bandroom where walls are covered in iconic Rolling Stone magazine covers and take the opportunity to pose like rockstars for our own 'covers' in front of the branding board. Tanzer spins a rockin' soundtrack of nostalgic tunes during her DJ set, supplying seriously chilled vibes through the array of Sonos speakers that are placed around the room.

Vocalist Caroline Kennedy and Ian Wadley perform as Caroline No tonight. Together they calibrate their acoustic guitars as smoke machines unexpectedly go off during the set. Kennedy's light and wispy vocals create a floating sensation for listeners who get swept up in the smooth flow.

Ella Hooper acknowledges the general consensus that we're all feeling pretty tired tonight, but — with help from The New Magic Band — she sings a sweet 45-minute lullaby. Playing only tracks from her recently released double EP (Venom /New Magic), Hooper kicks off with some relaxed country vibes to set the tone. She whips out her harmonica and gives it her all while completely owning the fact that some notes are a bit out of tune.

Hooper reveals a very personal and honest side through this latest release and conjures up a whirlwind of melancholic '90s alt-pop. Her newfound sound has evolved into a simple and mature style that has noticeably liberated her as a solo artist. Hooper comes alive and we get completely lost in the moment, admiring her joyous presence. Confessing she made up a word for the title of her track Interust (The Slow Death), Hooper explains, "It refers to when you've lost interest and the rust sets in and you realise you need a change or something new". She then reveals she's already looking forward to making her next EP.

A special guest Jack Colwell is welcomed to the stage for a surprise duet. It's become quite a tradition for the pair to crash each other's shows and it's clear that they both share a special bond as they perform an intimate cover of Stevie Nicks and Don Henley's Leather & Lace. Hooper continues with a new song that's never been played live before and its upbeat vibe gives the show a brighter note. The ethereal Monkey Mind follows and lingers in our minds long after the lodge closes its doors for another night.