It’s been over two years since the release of Dua’s second album “Future Nostalgia” and I think it’s fair to see that despite a global pandemic, her rise over that time has been astronomic! Gathering a plethora of Brit Awards, a Mercury Nomination not to mention a Grammy in the mix as well, she has not only gathered a huge and loyal fanbase, but has become a critical darling in the process. Having had the tour being delayed three times already, she can finally let things loose on stage and the Motorpoint in Cardiff is the lucky venue tonight.
The album draws influences from the pop she used to listen to growing up which covers everything through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and these style and theming is replicated in what can only be described as an expansive and highly impressive show. The band and dancers are given a retro 80’s cartoon introduction before she appears centre stage sporting a pink one piece before bursting into “Physical”. The song itself is a slice of pop heaven and really sets the precedent for the rest of the evening. The title couldn’t be more apt for the show she puts on as there isn’t a song where she’s not bounding along the thrust staging or being carried by her fellow stage members.
If things start out strong then they certainly keep going with “New Rules” which hasn’t lost any of its catchiness since its release and this time involves a impressive umbrella based dance routine. The strength of the latest record really comes through in a live setting as at no point does it ever feel as though there is any filler, whether it’s “Love Again” with its great use of the “My Woman” sample or “Cool” with the added roller disco element thrown into the mix. Her new material demonstrates a matureness and progression even at such an early stage in her career. That’s not to say that the older songs get lost along the way, of course not. “Be The One” feels like a triumphant moment to close off act one so to speak. As the crowd sing back the chorus, the sense of scale really hits you and it’s one of those moments that makes your hairs stand on end.
After a prompt costume chance and a surprise lobster attack later, things are slowed down slightly with the likes of “We’re Good”, “Fever” and “Boys Will Be Boys”. In what looks like a Barbie jacuzzi party, the dancers one by one appear from the trap door centre stage to join in on the fun. It’s then when things turn into her Madonna phase as the night turns into disco mode. If you weren’t humming “One Kiss” in the lead up to tonight then, chances are you will be by the end of it. Throughout every single song there is an element of confidence that just exudes from the artist. You can tell that each detail of the choreography, to the staging, to the arrangements has been planned to precision and everyone is certainly getting their money’s worth tonight.
“Hallucinate”, one of the album highlights again feels like an absolute banger amongst a sea of them in the setlist. With “Levitating” she’s had one of the most played tracks of recent years, thanks to the likes of TikTok and also because listening to it particularly in this setting tonight, just makes you forget about everything else and live in the moment. Boosted by an impressive amount of hair whipping and one of the most impressive laser shows I’ve seen in a long time “Future Nostalgia” is surely one of the highlights of the night.
It all ends with “Don’t Start Now” which really kickstarted this next level she’s occupying. Blending a little bit of funk and a little bit of disco it all feels like a perfect combination. Credit must also go to the band and the dancers who do not put a single foot wrong tonight. The show feels effortless, yet has so much energy and passion running through its veins. She could have simply stood on stage and belted out every one of her hits and it would have still been great. However what we are given is a headline-worthy performance. Don’t be surprised come next album if you see her fronting the bill on a farm in Somerset. Right now Dua is leading the pack by a long way and long may it continue.
