Review: No Dolittle and Dalley from Eliza

Tuesday 12th October 2010, 10:24AM BST.

Eliza Doolittle

Birmingham O2 Academy

words and pictures by James Watkins

Soul-pop’s newest singer-songwriter and fashonista of low-cut denim shorts, Eliza Doolittle, wowed fans at the start of her first UK solo-tour at the Birmingham O2 Academy 2.

Playing to a youthful audience, the eclectic Eliza, who hails from London and is famed for her love of Arsenal, delivered a stellar show of tunes from her debut self-titled album.

Opening with Go Home, Eliza whipped the crowd into a frenzy with upbeat tempo songs and a sing-a-long-style that saw fan favourites Skinny Genes and Back To Front receive rapturous applause.

Doolittle’s infectious tunes were well received and showcased her undoubted songwriting talent. She also proved herself a masterful showwoman, delighting the crowd with her charm and wit.

Ending the night with smash hit Pack Up, Doolittle sent her adoring fans home happy as the curtain closed on a fun-filled night.

As her fans exited stage left, Eliza’s name continued to flicker in low-lit lights as roadies moved in to clear up the band’s kit. It’s a pretty safe bet that her name will be illuminating far bigger stages sometime soon.