Gig Review - Chloe Du Pre

Chloe Du Pre
Eastbourne Winter Gardens
Wednesday 15th November 2006

There may be more famous names in pop right now, but few can claim to have more talent than this soulful Seaford singer.

The area’s biggest hope of national success delivered a performance of striking maturity. With a set dominated by original compositions, she managed to stamp her own mark upon proceedings.

Support band Slack Alley showed promise, with an energetic singer confidently racing through a cover-based set. Including Blur and Razorlight classics as well as their own tracks injected enthusiasm into the growing crowd.

Once Chloe and her band arrive onstage, the 18-year-old wears her soothing R&B influences, from Aretha to Mariah, on her sleeve. However, self-penned tracks such as This Time Around radiate pure pop sentiments, sparking much toe-tapping amongst the audience.

In Never Go Astray, Chloe’s taste for Motown is apparent. A smooth, sunshine-tinged melody effortlessly translates to a windy Wednesday in Eastbourne.

Nevertheless, the setting’s suitability is debatable. The enormous size of the Winter Gardens removes much of the show’s intimacy, despite much of the crowd leaving their seats to stand closer to the stage.

Conversely, the spacious surroundings provide a fitting setting for Chloe’s full, powerful voice. Most young singers would be overpowered, especially when fronting such an accomplished band. Yet the pounding drums and silky guitars provide an assured platform, accompanying and complementing her voice without overwhelming it.

It is in calmer moments that Chloe shows off her exemplary range to full effect. During a cover of Bryan Adams’ Heaven, she excels in combining the sheer power of her voice with a delicacy reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald.

She also plays keyboard on this track, as she does when showcasing the stripped-down Open You Eyes. With the spotlight solely on her, sultry vocals resonate all around. The polished arrangements of Chloe’s renowned producer Pip Williams harmonises seamlessly with the attractive simplicity of the song-writing.

Despite the feel-good factor within the Winter Gardens, the set lacks a standout track which could elevate Chloe above the average and into the national consciousness. Still, the feel-good factor all around suggests this might be just around the corner.

Greg Rose