Marina And The Diamonds

Taking the stage tonight is none other than the hotly tipped Marina And The Diamonds.

It's an important week for Marina as it marks the launch of her debut album The Family Jewels and the venue is buzzing with anticipation as she takes the stage.

She immediately grabs the audience's attention - and that's not down to the odd sheep-like coat she's wearing over her black dress but instead to a voice that soars and fills this cosy venue to the rafters.

As a female singer-songwriter whose music has a theatrical edge, Marina is often likened to Kate Bush. But there is something extra, almost a harshness in her voice and acid in her tongue as her intelligent poppy lyrics with a hint of poison caress and cajole the listener while her band keep the beat going.

Keynote track I Am Not A Robot condemns the way that technology and modern life have stopped people interacting.

Marina demands: "Can you teach me how to feel real?" while latest single Hollywood tells the tale of trying to escape and live the American dream but notes how Hollywood can infect the brain with a chorus stressing: "I'm obsessed with the mess that's America."

Midway through the set the band exit and Marina is left alone at her keyboard - this is when her voice truly comes into its own and the mix of clever words and soaring sounds electrifies the audience.

Numb continues the theme of alienation while Obsession talks of the wish "to erase every nasty thought that bugs me every day of every week."

But before the mood gets too dark the band is back on stage and Marina flashes a smile which shows she's enjoying herself as much as the audience.

The night ends with Mowgli's Road, a song that comprises cuckoos calling and a caution about cutlery, all to a sound reminiscent of Iggy Pop's The Passenger.

It's obvious that Marina is a raw talent who is more of a conductor and tonight's audience are happy to be taken on a trip into a wonderland that isn't quite as sweet as it seems.

Just like the chandeliers that dot the venue, Marina shines, and as the audience file out they know they've seen something special to be treasured, like a diamond that exudes beauty but with an edge that cuts like a knife.