MTV Review: Lion Babe Are As Mesmerising As They Are Memorable At Scala, London

You may have already heard their latest single ‘Wonder Woman’ being played all over Radio 1 recently, but that only scrapes the surface of up-and-coming duo Lion Babe.

Made up of outrageously cool New Yorkers Jillian Hervey and Lucas Goodman, the pair are currently in the process of taking over the UK with shows across the country.

Last night, Lion Babe brought their fresh brand of soulful R&B to London’s Scala, an intimate yet impressive venue that the band can already graduate from (the gig was sold out, natch).

As the show was likely an introduction to most in attendance last night, Jillian made sure to make an impression, and her stage presence is already a force to be reckoned with.

Yes, we could write essays about HOW. BLOODY. GORGEOUS she looked, rocking a crown-style headpiece and a gold embellished leotard, and don’t even get us started on her hair, but we will contain ourselves.

Instead, let’s just focus on how incredibly good the music was.

While breakout hit ‘Treat Me Like Fire’ and Pharrell-produced single ‘Wonder Woman’ were obvious crowd-pleasers, the new songs got everyone bouncing along like they’d heard them for years.

Jillian’s voice ranges from alluring, mesmerising and ethereal all within the well-refined set, with Lucas’ attacks on the drum machine bringing a fresh sound to a show that’s filled with musical influences – special shout out to that unexpected Janis Joplin cover.

After wrapping up their UK dates with Seinabo Sey this week, Lion Babe make their return in July for Lovebox Festival.

And with their debut album expected later in the year, featuring the likes of Mark Ronson, Jeff Bhasker and Dave Sitek, we don’t think we’ll be able to call them up-and-comers for too long.

By Charlotte Warwick

Set List:

Intro

Whole

Jump Hi

Hold On

Wonder Woman

Don’t Break My Heart

Jungle Lady

Piece Of My Heart

Satisfy My Love

Where Do We Go

Stressed Out

Treat Me Like Fire