The new live-music initiative, Metronome, was launched on Saturday in the capital. Run by the Abu Dhabi-based collective White Cube, the evening featured eight local singer-songwriters performing 20-minute sets at Cafe Arabia, the first of four weekly gigs to be held each Saturday in various coffee shops around the city.
The night began with Melissa Oval. The 16-year-old was all poise as she delivered a covers- dominated set list. While the song selections were rather predictable, her on-stage charm made chestnuts such as Ed Sheeran's A Team easy on the ear.
Next up was the Abu Dhabi-based Californian Kelsey Dion. She was a more bluesy affair, with the bruising Take Your Breath Away the best of her originals. Her covers were also spot on – her husky vocals added an extra brood factor to Pink Floyd's classic Wish You Were Here.
Some welcome upbeat tempo was provided by Kali Juali. The four-piece – consisting of acoustic guitars and percussion – kept it light and breezy, although some of the tracks seemed nothing more than rough sketches.
It was after the set that the MC announced that it was just their second gig after forming last month. Herein lies the value of Metronome: to provide a free and supportive space for musicians early in their career.
• The next Metronome evening will be held at Argo Tea at 6pm on Saturday. Ground Floor of Kamala Towers, Zayed 1st Street (Electra Road) Khalidiya. Visit facebook.com/WhiteCubeUAE for more information
