Following his dazzling debut, Sweet Dreamer, Will Joseph Cook takes on “the biggest thing” he has ever done, as he headlines London’s Heaven.

Following an avant-garde introduction into his pompous pop universe, as if he needs one at this point, Cook delves into the first title track Sweet Dreamer. His honest pop tunes have already gained him a substantial following, who now do their best to dance, sing, jump and generally making the gig as much fun as possible.

Swiftly following up with innovative pop anthem, Treat Me Like A Lover, Cook’s gorgeous falsetto simply blooms. “I build a house of cards for the symmetry and the clarity,” he sings – the capturing lyricism is shining. The relatable and real quality of his songwriting goes hand in hand with the sparkles of the soundscape. It is musical symbiosis at its best.

“So we’re going to say Hello properly. This is probably the biggest thing I’ve ever done”, Cook introduces. Take Me Dancing’s gritty details and the swooning backdrop really bring out the bright elements of Will’s idiosyncratic falsetto. Even through the more complexly layered parts of the tune, the clarity of the vocals and the lyrics still excels.

“Does anyone know what day it is” the singer teases, as they set to play For Thursday. Though his soundscape evolves on a basis of sweet dreams and the abstracts of escapism, there is still a tangible reality lurking. The balance of unapologetic pop and grittier references is vibrant on a EP tune, Daisy Chains. The influx of diverse influences makes Will Joseph Cook more than just another remotely interesting pop singer, it gives him that cutting edge for genuine stardom. “You’ve got it. You’ve got it good”, oh indeed.

The star quality also reflects in the boldly charismatic performance, the movement and engagement Will shows, well helped on by his talented companions, seems both genuine and real. “I’m trying very hard not to make long speeches between every track, but it’s very hard. It’s such an exciting time to be releasing music. I just want to say thank you.” Judging by the reactions, his fans agree.

Though marvelling joyous, the melodies at times deceptive to the realness and emotive aspect embodied through Cook’s words. His ballsy contrasts and sleek melodic combinations make him stand out as a modern and unexpected voice in an otherwise homogeneous pop landscape.

Taking it down a notch with EP track Message, the brutally honest song really shows the eloquence in his lyricism. Sticking to the slower tracks of his repertoire, Water’s Gone Cold fills the room with a mounting melancholy.

“I’m dangerously happy right now, thank you so much”, the singer seems stunned by the glorious response to his set this evening. Rounding off with anthem, Beach, the glittering catchy pop tune casts an euphoric gloss to the end of the set. Will Joseph Cook and his ecstatic pop tunes has immense potential, and following a gig like this I can’t help but agree with the singer himself: “This is fucking mental”.

Photos: Aurora Henni Krogh