Shred Queen Sophie Lloyd Shakes The Underworld in Solo Debut [Show Review]

Sophie Lloyd’s debut solo show at Camden’s iconic Underworld was nothing short of electrifying, a testament to the rising star’s command over her guitar and her ability to captivate a room. The sold-out Thursday night crowd on October 17th was packed to the brim, buzzing with anticipation to witness one of this generation’s most extraordinary guitar virtuosos. The venue, small and intimate, added a special edge to the show, making this debut all the more personal for both Lloyd and her devoted fans.

The night began with a set by Chez Khan, though I only managed to catch the last few songs. Even so, their energy was palpable, and their performance set the tone for what was to come. Still, the real magic began when the lights dimmed, and the unseen voice introduced Lloyd to the stage. The moment was surreal, and as she stepped out in leather hot pants, guitar in hand, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers. Right from the first notes of her instrumental opener, “Battleground,” it was clear we were witnessing something special. Her mastery over her guitar was immediate and magnetic, every riff an entrancing display of skill.

Lloyd took a moment to thank the audience, a gesture that revealed how deeply she appreciated the night. She introduced “Bulletproof Revolver,” the first song she ever wrote, delivering a melodic instrumental that was equal parts beautiful and powerful. As the crowd soaked in the ear candy, it became clear that while Lloyd is undoubtedly a striking figure who exudes rockstar sex appeal, it’s her sheer talent that kept all eyes fixed on her.

The setlist continued to impress as Lloyd was joined by guest vocalist Gaz Twist for a trio of songs from her debut album, Imposter Syndrome: “Let It Hurt,” “Fall of Man,” and “Pressure.” These were the first of the night’s tracks featuring lyrics, and Twist’s gritty voice perfectly complemented Lloyd’s explosive guitar playing. Leading the crowd in a clap-along, Lloyd’s stage presence only grew, her joy shining through as she continued to interact with the audience between each song.

A standout highlight of the show was her instrumental cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” Lloyd took the iconic track and infused it with her unique flair, even monologuing the eerie child’s dialogue, which gave the song a fresh spin. The crowd, utterly captivated, clapped along as Lloyd shredded through the song’s powerful riff, showcasing a new depth to a classic metal anthem. She then transitioned seamlessly into AC/DC’s equally legendary “Thunderstruck,” shaking the sweaty, jam-packed venue to its core. By this point, Lloyd was in her element, her face radiating pure bliss as she revelled in the energy she was creating.

The night’s special guest, Marisa Rodriguez of Marisa and the Moths added yet another layer of excitement to the show. Lloyd and Rodriguez performed “Won’t You Come,” a track they had collaborated on for Imposter Syndrome. The two emanated rock ’n’ roll magic from the stage, a flawless partnership that radiated chemistry. Rodriguez stayed on to deliver brilliant renditions of “Runaway” and “Hanging On,” the former originally featuring Michael Starr and the latter Lauren Babic on the album. Rodriguez did more than justice to these songs, showcasing powerful vocals that paired perfectly with Lloyd’s guitar work.

One of the most anticipated moments of the night was the performance of “Imposter Syndrome,” the title track of Lloyd’s album. Though Lzzy Hale, who originally sang on the track, wasn’t present, Rodriguez absolutely owned the performance, belting out the lyrics with a raw energy that ignited the crowd. It was clear that this was a moment fans had been waiting for, as they screamed every word back at the stage, completely immersed in the experience.

As the show drew to a close, Sophie Lloyd wasn’t done yet. She, Twist, and Rodriguez delivered a few more knockout tunes from Imposter Syndrome before closing with a cover of Machine Gun Kelly’s “I Think I’m Okay,” followed by “Do or Die.” Given her experience performing with MGK, it was no surprise that Lloyd played the song with absolute confidence, leaving no doubt that she was well-suited for the task, whilst Rodriguez ensured that the lyrical element was covered to perfection.

Sophie Lloyd’s debut solo show was a resounding success, exceeding the already high expectations of the night. From her flawless guitar work to the intense energy shared with the crowd, every moment felt charged with excitement. It’s clear that this is only the beginning of a much larger journey for Lloyd, and it won’t be long before she’s playing on much bigger stages. For those who witnessed her at Camden’s Underworld, it was a night that will be remembered for years to come – a rare glimpse of a superstar in the making, this generation’s Slash if you will, playing in the kind of intimate venue that legends are built on.

Sophie Lloyd The Underworld Setlist:

Battleground
Bulletproof Revolver
After Insanity
Let it Hurt
Fall of Man
Pressure
Enter Sandman (Metallica cover)
Thunderstruck (AC/DC cover)
Won’t You Come
Runaway
Hanging On
Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd cover)
Delusions
Imposter Syndrome
Avalanche
Judge and Jury
I Think I’m OKAY (Machine Gun Kelly cover)
Do or Die