Duffy

Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton - 3 Jun 2008

by Kimberley Owen

Welsh songstress wows Wolverhampton

"She's equally vocal in between songs, declaring she is “happy to be in Wolverhampton” because it rains more than in Wales"

All pictures: Michelle Owen for New Noise

This evening it is time for the Welsh wonder that is Duffy to showcase her incredible singing talents to a packed Wulfrun Hall. As she steps on the stage looking stunning in a bright orange dress, Duffy oozes style and poise that might even overshadow the vintage divas she has been favourably compared to in the press of late.

Opening the show with the slow but encapsulating ‘Syrup and Honey’ she brings the venue to a silent halt. The warbling throughout the song, although sublime in context and a winner with the audience, is at times a tad overbearing live.

Next up is the sultry album title track ‘Rockferry’ which displays the pint-sized singer's vocal range brilliantly, particularly when she hits the heavens on the highest notes. It is evident that Duffy is enjoying herself too; she spends a good percentage of the set bopping around like a 50’s diva to the funky beats churned out by her band.

She's equally vocal in between songs, declaring she is “happy to be in Wolverhampton” because it rains more than in Wales and introducing ‘Delayed Devotion’ with a confession that someone once told her they loved her “too late”, reproducing her response to the gentleman in question - “Oh purrrrlease”. 



The show offers an opportunity for Duffy to showcase ‘Please Stay’ - a cover version that she has worked on with Bernard Butler for the forthcoming film ‘Telstar’ by UK director and songwriter Joe Meek; a brooding track that enthrals the audience.

Overall tonight provides a welcome dose of sass and talent. Though at times her voice seems so powerful that the highest notes seem muffled in delivery, Duffy is a rare gem who should be cherished and polished while her peers will fall by the wayside.

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