Sigrid review, Shepherd's Bush, London: Believe the hype

Rising Norwegian pop star is growing a loyal fanbase thanks to relatable lyrics that pack an emotional punch - and a genuine happiness to be performing live shows

Sigrid performs at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London (Getty)

Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid Raabe has been the name on everyone’s lips since she won the BBC’s Sound Of poll this year.

Already tipped by countless publications and tastemakers to be the next big thing - if the first show of her biggest UK headline tour to date is anything to go by - the hype is well-deserved.

With her band set to a backdrop of primary colours, akin to her artwork, Sigrid is always on brand, whether that’s her white T-shirt, high-waisted jeans and high-pony combo; or the themes of youth, melancholy and hitting back at her detractors in her lyrics.

The set is packed full with new material from the singer's forthcoming second EP along with her yet-to-be-announced debut album, both of which are expected to drop later this year. “Raw”, the first track to be lifted from the EP, shows the same passionate pop star that we hear on explosive tracks like “Strangers”, but strips things back while still packing that same emotional punch. Another new track - “Savage In Our Blood” - does the same, with its almost-bare production taking a back seat and letting Sigrid’s vocal to soar.

There’s a confidence to everything Sigrid does, whether it’s introducing the next song with a beaming smile despite it being her most heartbreaking ("Dynamite") or holding her own while crying for the first minute of “Don’t Kill My Vibe”, as the whole venue sings back every word.

The set’s highlights come towards the end of the night’s show with “In Vain” being a particular stand out. Its journey from piano-ballad to huge pop moment takes the majority of track to come into fruition, but with a final sweep we’re catapulted back into pop world. “Credit” a song which sounds sonically and lyrically alike to “Don’t Kill My Vibe”, has the same punchy hook and a signature Sigrid falsetto demanding “credit for the words”, likely the result of another less than ideal writing session.

There’s a lot to be excited about. In the year or so since the release of her debut single “Don’t Kill My Vibe”, Sigrid has not just got the industry on her side, but moreover she’s earned a dedicated fan base who have fallen in love with her relatable lyrics, along with her honesty, and genuine happiness to be performing these songs on stage. On “Fake Friends” she makes it clear that “I only go for gold” - and gold is certainly where she’s going.