Rachel Chinouriri @ King Tut's, Glasgow, 4 May

To be loved and understood without condition is a universal urge, and one Rachel Chinouriri is all too familiar with. To fulfil this, she sings 'I'd walk on water if I could' on opener I’m Not Perfect (But I’m Trying). Tonight marks the start of the London-based singer’s national tour, and she takes to the stage tonight at Tut's with radiant, nonchalant charm. It’s an intimate setting, and it adds to the palpable warmth shared by the crowd. Chinouriri descends from the stage at points to hold hands with audience members, at others inviting us to sing back with her in shared togetherness. 

Chinouriri’s natural ease on stage tonight – swirling the microphone, dancing carefree – provides levity when contrasted with the diary-like lyricism of her songs. Before going into Happy Ending she jokingly remarks, “You know with my songs, they never are”. It’s this vulnerability and sincerity through both darkness and joy which makes Chinouriri a compelling artist and performer to witness. She expertly weaves between both, and tonight’s punchy set is skilfully paced, high-energy songs interspersed with downtempo melodies. Her vocals float and glide seemingly without effort, while her touring band – Chinouriri is accompanied by two guitarists and a drummer – are on sharp form alongside her, providing instrumentals even between interludes; an atmospheric touch.

Insight is provided by way of Chinouriri’s introductions to the song’s inspirations. One emerges as a self-love letter of sorts to a friend unceremoniously dumped; another an admission of a lack of gratitude, and a newfound appreciation for the good times and moments in life. Elsewhere, she’s unflinchingly honest about her own difficult experiences, speaking with candour about self-destructive habits and heartbreak. The boundary between performance and everyday living feels porous for Chinouriri, and it’s a nice flourish to hear how her experiences blossom seamlessly into artistry.  

The usual cheers and noise from the crowd that reverberate within the venue die away almost entirely as she performs one of her most emotionally intimate tracks, So My Darling. It’s a raw moment that encapsulates the essence of what makes tonight really special. If there was any doubt about the depth of feeling in the room, it’s punctured by a cry from an audience member in the crowd who shouts: "We love you!", to which Chinouriri smiles, before returning the sentiment.