Actually the old songs were here too – with an early “Nobody’s Diary” fitting in snugly between the newer material. Moyet looks down with imperiousness surrounded in dry ice and vari-lights as if challenging those in the crowd only wanting to hear “karaoke versions” of old songs: “something I don’t want to do” she tells us whilst introducing an excellent version of “Only You” with minor progressions. Opener “Horizon Flame” is an austere and dramatic scene-setter. What was good about last night’s performance was the strength of the new material from “The Minutes” – an album which went to number 5 on the UK album charts on release. On her left, on excellent backing vocals and Derren-Brown-in-a-waistcoat impressions, stands Sean McGee. On her right stands the musical director, John Garden – a man who resembles a younger, slimmer (and dare I say more talented) brother of Fletch from Depeche Mode. This time around there is no band, only a minimalistic electronica set up and a suitably impressive light show: Moyet is flanked either side by two synth-playing chaps. The last time I saw Moyet she briefly joined another Essex dweller Wilko Johnson and his band onstage for a joyous encore at the latter’s “farewell” concerts. It was something of a homecoming for Alison Moyet last night as the Billericay-born and Basildon-schooled vocalist played nearby Southend to promote her 2013 album The Minutes.

Alison moyet the minutes album review