Following the release last October of her highly anticipated fourth studio album, 'Trouble Coming', as well her brand-new, previously unheard single, 'Not Your Story' this March, highly regarded rising female Anglo-French Rock guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, Laura Cox, stopped off in London on Friday evening as part of her six-date UK tour.

Opening this evening for Laura was teen guitar sensation Jesse Garwood. Channelling superb energy, Charlton based Garwood and his youthful fresh band, comprising Ben Hancock on bass and Elliot Francis on drums, all took it in their stride playing this iconic venue, despite the trio have been around for a year. Darting around the long stage, Garwood's playing style is clearly influenced by his friend Zac Schulze, having recently had the pleasure of seeing Jesse play with Zac. Indeed, similar to Schulze, Garwood’s star is soaring and deservedly so, given this short, but great opening set, that included 'The Banker', 'Treat Her Right' and 'Bad Lovers Blues'. Jesse is definitely one to watch out for.

Tonight, The 100 Club was the ideal London venue for Laura Cox and her band. Edgy, raw with an urban vibe, where you can sit, stand or hang by the bar, as well as drink up the timeless photographic music history on the walls, not forgetting also the graffiti in the loos! Formerly based in Paris, Laura is much more than any ordinary musician, given she is a bold, independent original artist. Cox has driven her own destiny, and I loved the sound and lyrics of this 21st century female troubadour and musical philosopher.

Cynical dark poetic lyrics, painting visual stories, where there are more than shades of Nietzsche and the great French novelists such as Camus and Sagan, unconsciously running through her musical heart and pen. Just listen to the lyrics in 'The Broken' for example, “Nothing comes for free in the City of the Broken”. Laura freely admits as to being attracted to the dark side of the mind, as well as being a music surrealist. Her lyrics in 'Not Your Story', "your dream is a maze get away from this dream”, paints a picture of the lost Alice In Wonderland maze meets Munch (The Scream) and much more.

Cox also calls it out loud and proud, as well as being really unique. Not only was I drawn to her ramped up, hard based sound and flow, but I also loved her set and songs. There was Punk and repetitive beat running through her set, with her superb bassist, Adrien Kah, enhancing her sound throughout. Joining in with her in soul and spirit with the riffs, licks and grooves, they played off each other like pogo dancing lovers showing off. A deserved mention also for Léo Cotten’s on keys, playing with haunting tonality plus the so skilled Antonin Guerin on drums, who was also having a great time!

Despite viewing Cox as complex, visually she was smart, casual, cool Parisian chic. Indeed, I loved her look of Chiffon blouse, smart belted jeans and cool DM shoes. It was preppy even, with sleek dark hair and minimal makeup. So, no overt Rock chick, but classy understated chic, lulling you into a false sense of security of French respectability.

Although with shades of Americana in her vocals, Laura kicked off her set with 'Rise Together', an opener that would place her up there with any US female Rock goddess. This was followed by the energy of 'Rise Together', with its riding beat and fabulous lyrics, which would turn to be the jacked up foretaste of what was to come. Although, the contradiction between how Cox looked and what aurally her band produced, was striking, as the whole set became a massive musical medical injection.

Indeed, Laura loves Blues, Blues Hard Rock and the influence of Slash, all of which came across loud and clear throughout her set, as well as Alt Rock, rousing Punk, plus anthemic Blues tinged too. She can also play slide guitar brilliantly as well. 'Dancing Round the Truth' also had another siren like hard bass beat, which swelled around you, drawing you in to Cox’s visual and musical reality.

With a number of albums under her super stylish, sleek belt, Laura had plenty of material to choose from. Highlights included 'If You Wanna Get Loud', 'Set Me Free', 'Bad Luck Blues' and 'Trouble Coming', about a singular loner female. 'No Need To Try Harder', not only had beautiful lyrics such as "finally getting used to being me”, but also showcased Cox’s more melodic elements against her fabulous Rock guitar, that saw Hard Rock meet slide Blues, followed by an almost mainstream Radio 2 type sweet vocal few bar lines, before finally her raw Rock force came back in.

Cox tonight was super intelligent, delivering superb music and redefining Rock on her own original terms. My personal stand outs were 'A Way Home' and 'Have I Got Your Attention', the last of which tonight's packed 100 Club audience most certainly thought so! Chatting to Laura afterwards was also a delight!

Laura Cox - C'est magnifique!

Review, photos and video: Denise Lester