Janet Devlin

Janet Devlin's country-rock album ‘Emotional Rodeo’, set for release on November 15th, hasn’t officially dropped yet, but London got a thrilling preview on Thursday. Held in the heart of Shoreditch at The Hoxton Underbelly, Devlin’s launch party was infused with Nashville spirit, joy, and a crowd of devoted fans, all coming together to celebrate this long-awaited body of work.

Devlin, making a bold and courageous return with a string of critically acclaimed singles from ‘Emotional Rodeo’, fully immersed the audience in her unique country-rock world. Joined by her band, she dazzled in a black sheer dress, curly blonde wig, and a glittering white cowboy hat, inviting the crowd to revel in the playful, western-inspired joy.

The performance was kicked off by the album’s breakthrough title track, which initially rose to #4 on the iTunes Country Charts. Devlin established a raw, energetic dynamic with her band, who introduced a lively flair to the raucous anthem. This was followed by the uplifting single ‘Daddy,’ a sharp spin on the term ‘sugar daddy’ and play on gender roles. Joking about her ‘Daddy’ tattoo, Devlin proudly took ownership of the title and the audience responded accordingly, with a handful of fans singing along to every word.

‘Red Flag’, which was recently included on BBC Radio 2’s Playlist, was a definitive highlight. Echoing the soul-stirring stylings of Fleetwood Mac with its enchanting melodies and sliding, wistful guitar, the memorable track demonstrated Devlin’s esteemed country prowess and authentic take on the genre, which was gradually crafted alongside producer Roo Walker at Martina McBride’s Blackbird Studios in Nashville.

Devlin trailblazed through her set with ease, charming the audience with her signature wit and infectious performance style.The launch party offered a warm, inviting space for fans and critics alike to experience most of ‘Emotional Rodeo’ before its release - a collection that promises to balance heartfelt acoustic ballads with energetic, rock-and-roll-infused hits.

The acoustic section, which included the heartfelt ‘Whiskey On My Breath,’ ‘Whiskey Lullabies’ and ‘Cigarette Sweets’ was nothing short of a deeply poignant moment, hushing the chaos and allowing Devlin’s unique and captivating vocals to stand at the forefront. Tender and intimate, her folk origins shined through. However, it was her vulnerability that truly resonated with the audience as she drew upon personal experiences and confessional lyrics.

Honesty is at the heart of ‘Emotional Rodeo’, which delves into themes of mental health, the complexities of relationships, and self-awareness. Embracing her personal insights rather than shying away from th

Photo credit: Ben Kingston