ALMA review, Heaven, London: Breaking into the mainstream hasn't dulled a connection with her fans

Rising pop star has an unfiltered approach and a fantastic sense of humour

Alma performing. Alma - stage name for Alma-Sofia Miettinen Reading Festival, UK - 26 Aug 2017 (REX)

Tonight, nestled roughly in the middle of an excitable crowd gathered at London’s iconic gay nightclub Heaven, there are three hardcore ALMA fans wearing wig replicas of her distinctive neon locks. United by their adoration of Finland’s most popular pop export, they dance relentlessly until the star herself notices and invites one of the lucky women to share the stage, sending a clear message: ALMA is just like us.

It sounds obvious – she is, after all, human – but last year’s infectious "Chasing Highs" earned her hundreds of millions of streams as well as a high-profile record deal. Bewildered but obviously proud, she references her success: “London, I’ve been here a few times and every time I’m in a bigger room!”

But her newly raised profile and circle of celebrity friends (Charli XCX, her close pal, will executive produce her upcoming debut album) hasn’t dulled her desire to connect with her fans. As she storms through a set brimming with her own brand of synth-driven, steel drum-tinged pop – all of which comes adorned with absolutely massive singalong hooks – ALMA dances, drinks and even gets confessional as she requests the lights be dimmed for ‘BACK2U’, a rare mid-tempo track driven by her emotional, beautiful vocals.

Set highlights are largely lifted from her disarmingly consistent Heavy Rules mixtape; fans sing back every word and laugh along as she admits she’s “kind of bored” of performing mammoth hit "Dye My Hair". There’s even a glorious moment before "Legend" where she disappears without warning and re-emerges a second later with a fresh drink in hand and a wide grin on her face.

ALMA has an unfiltered approach and a sense of humour, both of which are refreshing, rare and facilitate an evidently strong connection between the star and her supporters. Perhaps the only issue is the set length, which at 45 minutes (without the now-expected encore) feels slightly short for a headline slot, but the fact that this is the only complaint which echoes throughout the club highlights one fact: we all want more of ALMA.