Live music review: Liverpudlian singer songwriter Zuzu brings emotional show to Ouseburn's Cluny

From the name of her debut album to the strong Liverpudlian accent, Zuzu is an artist who wears her identity on her sleeve. The scouse singer-songwriter released Queensway Tunnel – her first full-length project in November and the accompanying tour has turned into a series of emotional nights, including one at Newcastle’s Cluny on December 6.

For an artist who remains as grounded in her home city as Liverpool – where she had played to a sold out show the previous night – a trip to Newcastle seemed like a pleasant experience for Zuzu, as she explained how much she loves the city throughout the set.

Stepping out in front of a large, albeit not sold-out, Cluny, Zuzu and her backing band launched head first into the set with Timing, a song which also kicks off the album.

That was where the parallels with the November release stopped, however. After announcing the setlist would be a combination of newer tracks and songs from older singles and EPs, her and her three piece band weaved between new tracks and old with ease, allowing the Cluny’s fantastic sound system to carry the songs perfectly.

In the mix came ‘Distant Christmas,’ a track which Zuzu describes as being written during her time working as an elf over the festive period four years ago which shows the immense journey the singer-songwriter has been on. Over that time she has played countless festivals, supported artists such as the Courteeners and Gerry Cinnamon on arena tours, as well as headlining her own shows across the UK.

The emotion of the journey Zuzu has gone on to reach the point of touring her debut album was evident in her stage mannerisms, again an example of a performer who is willing to show her persona, hopes, dreams and worries. Songs of heartbreak such as ‘My Old Life’ were delivered with emotion that seemed tough to control, while the sassy facial expressions through tracks live ‘Never Again’ added to the uncompromising emotions the songs portrayed.

Closing with the album’s title track, the gig reached a perfect crescendo in an all-encompassing emotional release. The song sums up Zuzu perfectly – new, exciting and able to reach a point where absolutely anything is possible.