Whitechapel in the East End of London was the setting for Evokateur’s gig at the Rhythm Factory this past Wednesday, marking the release of debut single ‘Wolf Girl’ which comes out this week.

Sarah Villaraus, and husband Hector are usually a duo in the studio, but were joined live by Simon Lowry. Hector hits it with the Roland drum pads while Simon plays keyboards and genuine a key-tar no less, which could have been cheesy but fitted in exactly with the intent of their music tonight. Front and centre though is Sarah who writhes and twists while the two blokes hide in plain sight. They’re there but you’re not looking.

All three are adorned with feathery half-face masks – topped with plumes and covering one eye like some crazed Phantoms Of The Opera. At the same time the audience have been given wolf masks, which just makes it more special.

Sarah originally trained as a jazz vocalist, but you’d never guess it. Her voice is softened at times by a certain breathiness, but has a straight and smooth pop sheen, quality in depth. The ensemble effect is hard-edged and punchy electro – think early 80′s; think Alphaville; think Tubeway. This is appropriate as the new single has the ultimate seal of approval, a Gary Numan re-mix. Sarah told us that she’d even had people ask “What, that Gary Numan?” Yes dears, that one.

Sarah started off less than 100% confident, and confessed to being “tipsy,” which, as she put it, is not a great combination for a vocalist. She soon hit her stride though, telling us that we were in for something dark with ‘Misery,’ which references both the name and the ambience of the film.

The crowd was moderate in number but huge in enthusiasm, particularly when we got to the reason we were here, the single ‘Wolf Girl.’ It soars nicely, especially when it gets to the repeating chorus “I want to feel like I’m a freak like…I want to be like her.” The synths snake and slither in a lovely manner – it’s a strong song.

The last song of the set was announced, Sarah telling us we might recognise it. It drooled in with a brilliant skeletal and echoing intro and eventually grew and resolved into what I suddenly realised was ‘Mad World’ by Tears For Fears. I told you there was an 80′s thing going on, although by now it was also clear that it was tempered by plenty of 21st century savvy.

Compared to what you’ll hear on record, they felt quite a raw talent, but the operative word is talent. They’re certainly going to be on my radar for the near future.