One will leave a Divalution concert in reveries of belt-induced euphoria.

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The group formerly known as Sapphire Soul took to the stage at London’s The Other Palace last night to celebrate their relaunch as Divalution.

A witty and self-deprecating trio, they introduced the concert as one of ‘unnecessary high belting and riffing’. This proved apt. Their style is the equivalent of a decadent meal with mountains of extra toppings, sauces, and side dishes. But the structure and integrity of the meal is never lost. They throw everything they have at the wall, and it sticks. Incredibly well.

Formed in 2014, the group comprises the husky-voiced ‘soul sister’ Sejal Keshwala, the high-octane belter Laura Tebbutt, and the more classic sounding Lisa-Marie Holmes. Each member is an established vocalist and performer in their own right with each appearing in musicals, cabarets, and concerts. Though all trained in musical theatre, they revel in the bombastic vocal stylings of the great divas of past and present.

Indeed, they are guilty of selecting the most iconic of songs from the most iconic of vocalists. Yet they bring to these songs layered harmonies, spot-on pitch, and a dazzling vocal alchemy. In the first set they paid homage to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin with a medley of her defining songs, interweaving and overlapping them without fault. Their closing performance of Jennifer Hudson’s ‘All Dressed In Love’, mashed up brilliantly with Natalie Cole’s ‘Everlasting Love’, exploded with soul and sass.

While the audience gorged heavily on their up-tempo, belt-laden numbers, they shone particularly on some of the more restrained ballads. Their acapella rendition of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’, arranged by Keshwala, was a true testament to their vocal skills. Their delivery of the song’s modulation was breathtaking. Likewise with their mash-up of Adele’s ‘All I Ask’ and ‘When We Were Young’.

Each member also performed a solo number, a reflection of their own individual styles. Keshwala tore into Ariana Grande’s ‘Dangerous Woman’, backed by a wall-of-sound arrangement that captured the headiness of the lyric. Tebbutt coloured the climax of Elbow’s ‘One Day Like This’ with her limitless upper-register, while still conveying the song’s message of wonder and infatuation. Holmes also soared on Snow Patrol’s ‘Run’.

Perhaps the highlight of the night was a 7-minute medley of the most iconic diva songs of all time. Beginning with Shirley Bassey’s ‘I Who Have Nothing’ and ending with Beyonce’s ‘Listen’ – with a scattering of Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Diana Ross in between – the ladies’ fierce ambition paid dividends.

We must also commend stellar performances by special guests Rob Houchen and Marisha Wallace, as well as the live band.

Check out Divalution’s website here, and follow them on Twitter.

Divalution performing ‘All Dressed In Love’ at West End Live Lounge, February 2018

(Image taken from Divalution website)