Anjulie @ The Roosevelt, 1/28/09

Anjulie performs at Teddy's. | Photos by Tim Hammer/LAist

Already anointed by many as a star in the making, even though the release of her self-titled debut album is still months away, Toronto born singer/songwriter Anjulie proved worthy of the early accolades with a first-rate 40 minute performance Wednesday night.

Teddy's, the hot spot housed inside the historic halls of Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel which hosted the performance, may serve as an ideal playground for young Hollywood, but the layout of the lounge makes it a less desirable concert venue. Tucked away on a Claustrophobia-inducing stage in the rear of the club, while many of Teddy's patrons were busy buying $13 drinks; Anjulie, her band and backup singers somehow found a way to not only breathe but also put on a stellar performance.

There wasn't much breathing room for the crowd of people packed in front of the stage watching the show either. At one point In between songs, Anjulie requested that the audience dance with her. The thumping drums matched with her catchy lyrics were definitely dance-inducing but these were not the most ideal conditions for body moving. Head nodding ensued.

These limitations of the venue, however, did not take anything away from the performance. Showcasing several tracks off the much anticipated album, which will be released through Starbucks/Concord's Hear Music label sometime in 2009, Anjulie displayed her eclectic array of musical influences. She touched on everything from 60's pop-soul with her lead single "Boom" to slowest of ballads in "Crazy That Way" to "Rain" an R&B tune that could fit right in on urban radio.

The songs, many of which you may have heard during episodes of MTV's "The Hills" (oh right, you don't watch "The Hills." Neither do I. Seriously. Never.) are all very well written and were solidly performed. But actually it wasn't the songs that were the star of the night, it was Anjulie's stage presence. Armed with a seductive swagger, the Canadian carries herself with a cool and collected confidence. A minimalist on the microphone in between songs, the comfortable and confident Anjulie kept her crowd work to short questions like "you like that one?" or "how does my hair look?" spoken in the same sultry voice found in her music.

Although she made a fantastic impression on what seemed to be an industry-heavy crowd (and on my girlfriend who half-way through the show whispered to me "I think I have a crush on her") the set was not without flaws. The choice to do a ballad in a very noisy atmosphere, the drink orders being shouted at the bar overtook her crooning of "Crazy That Way," seemed to bring the show's momentum to a bit of halt. Also, and this might be more of a result of the stage's tiny confines, but there was little to no interaction between Anjulie and her band and backup singers. She seemed more at home interacting with her audience than she did with her drummer and guitar and bass players.

With an abundance of buzz matched with a ton of talent, an anticipated album and a face that is easy on the eyes, there's a very good chance Anjulie just might end up in your home. Her music that is. Not literally her.

Tuesday night, Anjulie plays the Viper Room with Inverse and Solange.