Concert Reviews

Gabrielle Aplin at El Mocambo

The El Mocambo was packed last night as Gabrielle Aplin arrived in Toronto for the last day of Canadian Music Week. Aplin is an English folk singer- songwriter who gained popularity after publishing acoustic covers of songs by bands (Paramore, You Me At Six) on YouTube. By the age of 19, Aplin was signed to Parlophone Records and her debut album, English Rain was born, entering the charts at No. 2. Since then the online sensation has be winning hearts across the globe and selling out tours in her homeland.

Her acoustic set was packed with songs from English Rain which featured her hits likes “Panic Cord”, “Please Don’t Say You Love Me” and her infamous cover of “Power of Love”. For those who weren’t familiar with the young artist’s music, Aplin managed to captivate them with her charming personality. She kept the audience’s attention with her adorable wit and childlike awkwardness. Aplin expressed her love for tea and explained how disappointed she was in New York when she couldn’t find good tea. She believes Canada should have an appreciation for it, after all the queen is on our money. In honor of CMW, Aplin named a few of her favourite Canadian artists followed by a lovely cover of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You”.

Despite not having a band with her last night, Aplin’s soft voice extorted every ounce of emotion possible from her small frame as she plays her guitar. You could understand why this 21 year-old has been getting all of the attention. As her show comes to a close, Aplin thanks everyone for coming – “I wasn’t expecting a huge turnout”. She raises her tea cup, says “cheers”, takes a sip and does the encore in the middle of the crowd.

Thanks to Union Events and CMW.

About author

Administrator by day, concert writer by night. When she isn’t writing reviews, Tashana often spends time exploring the city or is at home watching a good drama on television. You can check her out on Twitter @tbilley.