Alessis Ark AKA Alessi Laurent-Marke, of modest West London roots, came about from a GCSE music project not too long ago. Last night at The Social, hidden in the backstreets of central London, Alessi and her Ark provided onlookers with a mesmerising show.
Now hailed as one of the UKs next biggest things and signed to EMI, a modest Alessi is mature beyond her 18 years through her lyrics and alt-folky sound.
Opening with Hummingbird, our entertainer chirps with youthful naivety, and after a few false starts and giggles she makes her way into the set.
Beautifully-crafted and delicate throughout, Alessis songs are simple, evoking tales of rubbish weather, walking ones dog, ice cream and libraries, all taking a unique outlook on humdrum London life.
Apologies for that dragon note!, she jokes, that was a surprise for us all!, referring to a mistake. Unperturbed, Alessi is at home on the small basement stage, and carries on.
Her intimate set included The Robot, the upbeat Over The Hill, Ribbon Lakes and The Dog. Theres no doubt that Alessi is a dreamer, and clearly last night, everyone was going along for the ride.
Harmonious melodies and heavily-accented yet smooth lyrics reflect a mind lost in a world of its own; Alessis Arks airy and swirling tune seems to be falling in love with itself. No lovelorn teenager in sight, Alessi sings with a childlike sense of wonder about the world even when singing about fancying someone elses bloke!
Constellations was Alessis choice of closing track, before announcing My names Alessi and this is The Ark, pointing to the band. What a polite young thing!
Recent long-play album release Notes From The Treehouse follows up from EPs The Horse and Bedroom Bound, all of which come highly recommended.