It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not payday or the summer holidays – we’re talking about the Dork’s Night Out Christmas Party, this year dropping into London’s Colours Hoxton.
With two essential voices bringing the cheer, it’s the sort of night that not only soundtracks the end of an all-over-the-place 2021, but points to two artists destined for massive 2022s. Not too shabby with some mulled wine in hand.
First up is Abbie Ozard, peeling back the raw emotions and heartfelt hits that have made her a bonafide favourite around these parts. It shows a jaw-dropping side to Abbie’s heart, taking the spiralling sounds of ‘TV Kween’ and ‘Pink Sky (Endless Summer)’ and showcasing their essential cores. Tales of dreaming, heartbreak and more shine bright – for a set that she herself admits is a unique one. Without a band to rip into every note, tonight feels like a glimpse into everything that makes Abbie Ozard so great. Whether it’s taking things back to early single ‘Crocodile Tears’ or bringing it right up to date with latest track ‘Grown’ – it’s a sign that the future is just waiting for Abbie Ozard to seize it.
After a storming run across the UK, L Devine takes to the Colours Hoxton stage for a set bursting with community and togetherness – a special treat to celebrate with the fans who’ve been there at each step of her journey so far. From the moment ‘Girls Like Sex’ opens proceedings, the room is firmly in the palm of her hand – joking around, sharing stories and leading singalongs. It’s a reminder of the already rich catalogue of stone-cold bangers that Liv has built on her ride to the top. From ‘Like You Like That’, to ‘Boring People’ and ‘Can’t Be You’, she’s an artist with her finger firmly on the pulse of the biggest of pop moments.
Effortlessly transforming the Dork’s Night Out Christmas Party into a disco ball of fun, a sizzling run ending with ‘Priorities’ (practically drowning out Liv on stage with such a vast singalong) and latest stormer ‘Die On The Dancefloor’ is only topped with an L Devine spin on ‘Santa Baby’, transforming the classic into a wooing ode for Mrs Claus herself.
More than anything, it’s the perfect set to round out a year built on separation and reunions in equal measure. The line that weaves through the venue after as fans queue to meet Liv says it all. L Devine isn’t just going to the top but bringing everyone with her. Now that’s a Christmas prediction we can all get behind.
